SUMMARY
The discussion focuses on expressing cos(2 tan^-1(x/4)) and sin(2 tan^-1(x/4)) as algebraic expressions in terms of x. The correct expressions derived are cos(2 tan^-1(x/4)) = 8√(x² + 64)/(x² + 64) and sin(2 tan^-1(x/4)) = x√(x² + 64)/(x² + 64). The derivation involves using the identities for cosine and sine of double angles, specifically cos(2t) = 2cos²(t) - 1 and sin(2t) = 2sin(t)cos(t), where t = tan⁻¹(x/4).
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically for sine and cosine of double angles.
- Familiarity with inverse trigonometric functions, particularly tan⁻¹.
- Basic algebraic manipulation skills to simplify expressions.
- Knowledge of the Pythagorean theorem as it applies to trigonometric functions.
NEXT STEPS
- Study the derivation of trigonometric identities, focusing on double angle formulas.
- Learn how to manipulate inverse trigonometric functions in algebraic expressions.
- Practice converting between trigonometric forms and algebraic expressions using various angles.
- Explore applications of trigonometric identities in calculus, particularly in integration and differentiation.
USEFUL FOR
Students preparing for calculus exams, particularly those focusing on trigonometric functions and their applications. This discussion is beneficial for anyone needing to express trigonometric functions in algebraic forms.