How are these two equations equal? trig identities possibly?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves proving the equality of two expressions involving sine functions: (1/6)sin(3x) - (1/18)sin(9x) and (2/9)sin^3(3x). The subject area relates to trigonometric identities and multiple angle formulas.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the sine functions and the implications of the cubic power on one side of the equation. Some suggest using multiple angle formulas to expand sin(9x), while others propose expressing sin(9x) in terms of sin(3x) through various expansions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different methods to approach the proof. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of multiple angle formulas, but there is no explicit consensus on a single method or solution yet.

Contextual Notes

There is a note regarding the terminology used in the problem statement, emphasizing the distinction between equations and identities, which may affect the interpretation of the task.

Chaoticoli
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Homework Statement


Proof that (1/6)sin(3x)-(1/18)sin(9x) = (2/9)sin^3(3x)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I am just curious exactly how the power on the sine function is cubic on one side. It obviously has to do with something that increases the power on the sin(9x) function after it becomes a sin(3x). In other words, higher multiple angles somehow increase the trig power and I am not exactly sure how or what formula I should use to prove their equality.
 
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I would use the multiple angle formulas for sin(nx) on the LHS of the equation to expand sin(9x).
 
I'd expand sin(9x) by first expressing it as sin(6x+3x) and then expand both cos(6x) and sin(6x) terms with cos(2(3x)) and sin(2(3x)) - or equivalently, cos(3x+3x) and sin(3x+3x).

However, if you know the expansion of cos(3u) and sin(3u) in terms of cos(u) and sin(u), then you can jump straight to expressing sin(9x) in terms of 3x.
 
A couple of minor points. "How are these two equations equal?"

You have only one equation, and the goal of the exercise is to prove that the equation is an identity.

One equation can never be "equal" to another equation. An equation might be equivalent to another equation if the solutions sets for the two equations are the same.
 

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