Of course, that would be much faster--->just differentiate the sum formula for sin(x).
But suppose we can't do that!-->what would be another fast way to derive cos(x)?
Currently I start with cos(x), and then explain that as a Taylor series, cos(x-a) in this case is really the McLaurin series for cos (x), where a=0.
Then, I write cos(x) = c_0 + c_1 x + c_2 x^2 + c_3 x^3 +...
Next, I express each derivative of cos (x) as the same series, except I reduce the powers of x and subunits of the constants appropriately.
Then, I substitute x=0 (b/c it is McLaurin) and express each derivative of cos(0) as the constant "c" with the appropriate subunits.
Next, I show that the odd derivatives of cos(0) are zero, and explain why the sum formula includes (-1)^n and x^{2n}
Then, I show why, as a power series, the factorial (2n)! is needed in the denominator so that the terms will match the derivatives when multiplied out.
Finally, I write the formula (I wish I knew LaTex...better!) as cos(x) = \sum\limits_{n = 0}^\infty {\frac{{\left( {-1} \right)^n x^{2n} }}{{\left( {2n} \right)!}}}
My question is: HOW to constrict/shorten this procedure??
Are there parts here I can connect or skip??