De Moivre's Theorum and Double-Angle Formulas

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of De Moivre's Theorem to verify trigonometric identities involving complex numbers, specifically the identities for cos(2θ) and sin(2θ). The scope includes homework-related questions and mathematical reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • A participant presents an attempt to use De Moivre's Theorem to verify the identities for cos(2θ) and sin(2θ) but expresses confusion about separating the real and imaginary parts of the resulting equation.
  • Another participant asks about the conditions under which two complex numbers are equal, indicating a need for clarification on the equality of real and imaginary components.
  • Subsequent replies clarify that for two complex numbers to be equal, their real parts must be equal and their imaginary parts must also be equal, suggesting the participant apply this to their formulas.
  • The original poster acknowledges the clarification and expresses gratitude, indicating a realization of their misunderstanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the mathematical principle that the equality of complex numbers requires matching real and imaginary parts, but the original poster's understanding of applying this principle was initially unclear.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a learning process with some uncertainty regarding the application of complex number equality to trigonometric identities, and the original poster's initial confusion about separating components in their calculations.

Who May Find This Useful

Students studying complex numbers and trigonometric identities, particularly those working on related homework assignments or seeking clarification on De Moivre's Theorem.

Jessehk
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I hope this is in the right place.

I'm in grade 12, and I've been given an assignment involving complex numbers.

The question reads:

Use De Moivre's Theorum to verify the identities:
[tex]cos(2\theta) = cos^2\theta - sin^2\theta[/tex]

[tex]sin(2\theta) = 2sin\theta cos\theta[/tex]

I've tried something like this:
[tex] cos(2\theta) + i \cdot sin(2\theta) = (cos\theta + i \cdot sin\theta)^2[/tex]

[tex] cos(2\theta) + i \cdot sin(2\theta) = cos^2\theta + i \cdot 2cos\theta sin\theta - sin^2\theta[/tex]

[tex] cos(2\theta) = cos^2\theta - sin^2\theta + i \cdot 2cos\theta sin\theta - i \cdot sin(2\theta)[/tex]

But I don't understand where to go from there. Can I somehow "separate" them?
Any help would be appreciated.
 
Last edited:
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When the two complex numbers

[tex]a+i\,b, \quad c+i\,d[/tex]

are equal?
 
Rainbow Child said:
When the two complex numbers

[tex]a+i\,b, \quad c+i\,d[/tex]

are equal?

I'm sorry, I don't understand.
 
The equation [tex]a+i\,b=c+i\,d[/tex] gives

[tex]a=c,\, \quad b=d[/tex].

Apply this to your formulas
 
Rainbow Child said:
The equation [tex]a+i\,b=c+i\,d[/tex] gives

[tex]a=c,\, \quad b=d[/tex].

Apply this to your formulas

Well, I didn't know that.
Thanks for the help. :)

EDIT: I just got it: I'm an idiot. Thanks again.
 
Last edited:

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