How Can Radian Conversions Simplify Complex Trigonometric Problems?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the simplification of trigonometric expressions through radian conversions, specifically focusing on products of cosine functions. Participants explore the implications of using radians versus degrees and the potential for simplification in complex trigonometric identities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various attempts to simplify the expression involving products of cosine functions, questioning the effectiveness of their methods. Some express frustration over the inability to combine terms effectively, while others suggest numerical solutions or alternative approaches.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some participants offering insights into potential simplifications and others expressing confusion or seeking further assistance. There is recognition of promising formulas, but no consensus on a clear path forward has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of adhering to forum guidelines regarding the presentation of equations and the need for clarity in their attempts. There are references to specific trigonometric identities and the challenges posed by the structure of the problem.

Physics lover
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Homework Statement
The question is in Attempt at a solution
Relevant Equations
2CosACosB=Cos(A+B)+Cos(A-B)
CosACos2ACos4A....Cos##2^n##A=Sin(##2^n##A)/(##2^n##SinA)
IMG-20191016-WA0000.jpg

I started by converting it into radian.
Then i wrote as ##I=Cos(\pi/45)Cos(2\pi/45)...Cos(22\pi/45)
Also I=Cos(44\pi/45)Cos(43\pi/45)...Cos(23\pi/45)##
And then i multiplied the two equations.But it didn't helped me.What shall i do further.
 
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Please don't write
I=Cos(pi/45)Cos(2pi/45)...Cos(22pi/45)​
but
I=\cos(\pi/45)\cos(2\pi/45)...\cos(22\pi/45):
$$ I=\cos(\pi/45)\cos(2\pi/45)...\cos(22\pi/45): $$​

Physics lover said:
The question is in Attempt at a solution
Really ! You should know by now that PF doesn't like that !
Homework Equations: ##\quad 2\cos A \cos B=\cos(A+B)+\cos(A-B) ##
$$\cos A\cos (2A) \cos(4A)...\cos (2^n A)=\sin(2^n A)/(2^n\sin A)$$
I don't see this second equation come back in your attempt... it looks promising, but not that some factors in the product don't appear

 
BvU said:
Please don't write
I=Cos(pi/45)Cos(2pi/45)...Cos(22pi/45)​
but
I=\cos(\pi/45)\cos(2\pi/45)...\cos(22\pi/45):
$$ I=\cos(\pi/45)\cos(2\pi/45)...\cos(22\pi/45): $$​

Really ! You should know by now that PF doesn't like that !
I don't see this second equation come back in your attempt... it looks promising, but not that some factors in the product don't appear

I used in my attempt but it was unsuccessful so ididn't mentioned it.I took out terms from whole series that fits the formula but i cannot proceed further.
 
Please somebody answer.I am still trying to do it.
 
I'm stuck. You might try a numerical solution to determine what the correct answer may be. I don't presently see a simple way of combining terms. One item of interest is ## \cos{60^{\circ}}=1/2 ##, but attempts to combine the terms to make them look like ## \cos{60^{\circ}} ## have eluded me.
 
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Charles Link said:
I'm stuck. You might try a numerical solution to determine what the correct answer may be. I don't presently see a simple way of combining terms. One item of interest is ## \cos{60^{\circ}}=1/2 ##, but attempts to combine the terms to make them look like ## \cos{60^{\circ}} ## have eluded me.
Thanks for your effort But no worries.I have solved it.i wrote every cos term as sin2A/sinA and the terms cancelled.
 
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Physics lover said:
Thanks for your effort But no worries.I have solved it.i wrote every cos term as sin2A/sinA and the terms cancelled.
An interesting problem. And I wrote all the terms out, too, following your post. The cancellation isn't a simple one, in that terms like ## \sin(144^{\circ}) ## from ## \cos(72^{\circ})=\sin(144^{\circ})/(2 \sin(72^{\circ})) ## cancels ## \sin(36^{\circ}) ## of ##\cos(36^{\circ})=\sin(72^{\circ})/(2 \sin(36^{\circ})) ##. Surprisingly, every term in the numerator has a match somewhere in the denominator. (Note: ## \sin(36^{\circ})=\sin(144^{\circ}) ##). ## \\ ## Edit: And for ## \cos(60^{\circ})=\sin(120^{\circ})/(2 \sin(60^{\circ})) ##, we have ## \sin(120^{\circ})=\sin(60^{\circ}) ##. ## \\## It should be noted that we can't have a simple pairing where e.g. ## \cos(88^{\circ}) \cdot \cos(x)=\frac{1}{4} ##, because that would mean ## \cos(x) ## would need to be greater than 1 in a couple of cases. ## \\ ## And very good solution @Physics lover :smile: ## \\## Edit: Upon further inspection, the doubled angles in the second quadrant, when their mirror image is mapped into the first quadrant, fill in the gaps so that every four degrees there is a term from the numerator, just like in the denominator.
 
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