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

  • B
  • Thread starter Thread starter Julia Coggins
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around deriving the formula cos(a+b) = cos(a)cos(b) - sin(a)sin(b) using Euler's formula. Participants clarify that the multiplication of complex exponentials leads to separating real and imaginary parts, where the real part corresponds to cos(a+b) and the imaginary part to sin(a+b). The correct expression e^(i(a+b)) = e^(ia)e^(ib) is emphasized, ensuring accurate application of exponent rules. The conversation concludes with confirmation that the participants understand the derivation process. The exchange effectively illustrates the relationship between trigonometric identities and complex numbers.
Julia Coggins
Messages
17
Reaction score
0
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})
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
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
 
Back
Top