How Can Double-Angle Identities Simplify Trigonometric Equations?

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MaoRaygo
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Homework Statement


I've been having problems with a lot of identity problems lately, but I've found that I'm especially having issues with problems like this one;
Verify the identity,

1/2 Sin (4x) = 2SinxCosx-4Sin3xCosx


Homework Equations


My professor told me you use Sin(A-B)=SinACosB-CosASinB

The Attempt at a Solution


The best I could do was

1/2 Sin4x=2SinxCox-4Sin3xCos

1/2Sin4x=2(SinxCosx-2sin3)

1/2Sin4x=2Sin(x-4x)=-2Sin(3x)

I know that this is a horrible attempt at solving, but some help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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MaoRaygo said:

Homework Statement


I've been having problems with a lot of identity problems lately, but I've found that I'm especially having issues with problems like this one;
Verify the identity,

1/2 Sin (4x) = 2SinxCosx-4Sin3xCosx


Homework Equations


My professor told me you use Sin(A-B)=SinACosB-CosASinB

The Attempt at a Solution


The best I could do was

1/2 Sin4x=2SinxCox-4Sin3xCos

1/2Sin4x=2(SinxCosx-2sin3)

1/2Sin4x=2Sin(x-4x)=-2Sin(3x)

I know that this is a horrible attempt at solving, but some help would be greatly appreciated.

Start with the LHS and write [itex]\frac{1}{2} \sin(4x)\,\,\text{as}\,\, \frac{1}{2} \sin(2x +2x)[/itex] and expand using the addition formula as your professor suggested.