How can I use the result of sin(PI/8) to find the cos and sin of other angles?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around using the value of sin(PI/8) to derive the sine and cosine of other angles, specifically 5PI/8, 9PI/8, 13PI/8, and 17PI/8. The context is trigonometric identities and relationships.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find a straightforward method to derive the sine and cosine values for the specified angles using the known value of sin(PI/8). Some participants question the approach and calculations related to the angles.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different interpretations of the angles and their relationships. Some have provided insights into breaking down the angles, while others express confusion about the process. There is no explicit consensus on a method yet.

Contextual Notes

The assignment specifies using the result from sin(PI/8) for further calculations, which may impose constraints on the methods discussed. There is also a mention of the potential complexity in deriving higher-order trigonometric values.

sony
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I have (from a complex equation problem) found the following angles in the answers:

5PI/8, 9PI/8, 13PI/8, 17PI/8

In the same assignement I found sin(PI/8) = .5*sqrt(2-sqrt(2)) and I found the cos(PI/8) value by using standard trig. identities.

Is there an easy way to use this result to find the cos and sin of the angles stated? (The assignement tells us to use the answer we found from sin(PI/8))

I know I can find formulas for cos(5x) etc by using this method: http://library.thinkquest.org/C0110248/trigonometry/form3.htm

But that is going to take ages up to cos(17x) !

I think I've missed something here.

Thanks
 
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Hmm.. 5/8-1/8=1/2, I think. And 17=16+1, if I'm not mistaken
 
I'm not getting it... :P
 
\frac{17\pi}{8}=\frac{16\pi}{8}+\frac{1\pi}{8}=2\pi+\frac{\pi}{8}
For example
 
ah, thanks I get it!
 

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