How do you get cos{(a+b)}=cos{a}cos{b} - sin{a}sin{b}?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivation of the trigonometric identity cos{(a+b)} = cos{a}cos{b} - sin{a}sin{b} using Euler's formula. Participants explore how to express this identity in terms of complex exponentials and the real and imaginary parts of those expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how to derive the identity from the expression involving complex exponentials.
  • Another participant suggests carrying out the multiplication of the complex exponentials to identify the real part corresponding to cos{(a+b)}.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about how to manipulate the equation to isolate sin(a+b) or cos(a+b).
  • There is a clarification regarding the correct application of exponent rules in the context of Euler's formula.
  • One participant provides a detailed breakdown of the relationship between the exponential form and the trigonometric identity.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the real and imaginary parts of the complex expressions must be equal to their respective trigonometric functions.
  • A later reply addresses a potential typo in a previous post regarding the multiplication of complex numbers.
  • Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

    Participants generally agree on the approach of using Euler's formula and the relationship between the real and imaginary parts, but there is some uncertainty expressed about the manipulation of the equations and the derivation process.

    Contextual Notes

    Some participants express limitations in their understanding of how to show the equality of the real and imaginary parts to the trigonometric functions, indicating a need for clarity in the derivation steps.

Julia Coggins
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How do you get cos{a+b}=cos{a}cos{b} - sin{a}sin{b} from cos{a}cos{b} - sin{a}sin{b} + i(sin{a}cos{b} + cos{a}sin{b}?
From trying to use Euler's formula.
cos{a+b} + isin{a+b} = e^i(a+b)= e^ia + e^ib
(cos{a} + isin{a})(cos{b} + isin{b})
 
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Hi Julia,
Simply carry out (write out) the multiplication: the real part is the ##\cos(\alpha + \beta)## expression and the imaginary part the ##\sin## one !
 
I'm just not sure how to put this in an equation that has sin(a + b) on one side or cos(a+b)
 
I know the real and imaginary parts, I just don't know how to show they're equal to cos{a + b} and sin{a+b} respectively.
 
cos(a+b)=(e^{i(a+b)}+e^{-i(a+b)})/2
cos(a)cos(b)-sin(a)sin(b)=[(e^{ia}+e^{-ia})(e^{ib}+e^{-ib})+(e^{ia}-e^{-ia})(e^{ib}-e^{-ib})]/4<br /> =(e^{i(a+b)}+e^{-i(a+b)})]/2
 
Julia Coggins said:
e^i(a+b)= e^ia + e^ib

No, that's not how exponents work. It should be $$e^{i(a+b)} = e^{ia} e^{ib}$$

EDIT. I see you've written it correctly below that line. If you carry out the multiplication, you'll find that the real part is what you're looking for.
 
  1. e^{i(a+b)}= e^{ia}e^{ib}
  2. e^{i(a+b)}= \cos(a+b) + i\sin(a+b)
  3. e^{ia}e^{ib}=(\cos(a)+i\sin(a))\cdot (\cos(b)+i\sin(b))=(\cos(a) \cos(b)-sin(a)sin(b))+i(\sin(a)\cos(b)+\cos(a)sin(b))
Now the real and imaginary parts must separately be equal to each other.
 
Hello Julia,
Julia Coggins said:
cos{a+b} + isin{a+b} = e^i(a+b)= e^ia + e^ib
(cos{a} + isin{a})(cos{b} + isin{b})
Sorry I missed the plus sign error. It should have been a multiplication. But on the next line you do write a multiplication, so I expect that + was just a typo.

Somewhat contrary to PF culture your helpers have given the full solution. Just to make sure: do you understand it all now ?
 
Yes, thanks all
 

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