Finding sine and cosine formulas

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on proving the equation sin(x + y) = (7/3)sinx cosx given the ratios sinx/siny = 1/2 and cosx/cosy = 3. The solution involves expressing siny in terms of sinx and cosy in terms of cosx, leading to the substitution into the left-hand side of the equation. The calculation confirms that sin(x + y) simplifies correctly to (7/3)sinx cosx. Participants emphasize the importance of clearly substituting values to avoid confusion in the proof process. The final consensus is that the approach taken is valid and leads to the correct result.
rum2563
Messages
89
Reaction score
1
[SOLVED] Finding sine and cosine formulas

Homework Statement


If sinx/siny = 1/2 and cosx/cosy = 3 prove:

sin (x + y) = 7/3 sinx cosx


Homework Equations


sin (x + y) = sinx cosy = cosx siny


The Attempt at a Solution



Can someone please give me a hint so that I can start? Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well fine cosy in terms of cosx from the 2nd formula and find siny in terms of sinx from the 1st formula and sub into the LHS of the proof
 
Ok, here it goes:

* sinx/siny = 1/2

siny = 2sinx

* cosx/cosy = 3

cosy = cosx/3sin(x + y) = sinx cosy + cosx siny
= cosx/3 + 3 X 2sinx
= cosx/3 + 6sinx
= 7/3 sinx cosxIs this possibly right?
Please help. Thanks
 
well that is correct...but you should put in the sinx and cosx in the 2nd and 3rd lines...or else it may seem weird that you simply got back the sinx and cosx at the end
 
Well, If I put back sinx and cosx, then how will I get rid of them in the end?
 
sin(x + y) = sinx cosy + cosx siny
= (sinxcosx)/3 + 2sinxcosx
=\frac{7sinxcosx}{3}
 
Thanks very much rock.freak667. I finally get this.
 
Back
Top