How to Simplify This Trigonometric Equation Using Substitutions?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying a trigonometric equation involving multiple angles and substitutions. The original poster presents an equation that includes terms like \(\sin4\alpha\), \(\cos2\alpha\), and \(\tan\frac{\alpha}{2}\), expressing uncertainty about how to effectively use substitutions in their approach.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the original poster's attempts to simplify the equation and express confusion regarding the use of substitutions. One participant suggests substituting a specific angle to test the equation, while another inquires about a relevant formula for \(\cos(2\alpha)\) in terms of \(\cos(\alpha)\).

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different substitutions and questioning the completeness of the original problem statement. There is no explicit consensus, but suggestions for testing specific values and formulas indicate a productive direction.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express the need for a complete problem statement to better understand the context of the equation. There is also a mention of homework guidelines, implying constraints on how much assistance can be provided.

Fred1230
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Returning if I have to show the effort, I came to this:
\frac{\sin4\alpha}{1+\cos4\alpha}\cdot\frac{\cos2\alpha}{1+\cos2\alpha}\cdot\frac{\cos\alpha}{1+\cos\alpha}=\tan\frac{\alpha}{2}.
=
\frac{\sin4\alpha}{\sin^2\alpha+cos^2\alpha+\cos4\alpha}\cdot\frac{(\sin^2\alpha+cos^2\alpha)-2sin^2\alpha}{\sin^2\alpha+cos^2\alpha+\cos2\alpha}\cdot\frac{\cos\alpha}{\sin^2\alpha+cos^2\alpha+\cos\alpha}=\frac{\sin\alpha^2}{\cos2\alpha}.
I don't know how to use substitutions
 
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s=\sin\alpha and c=\cos\alpha
 
Fred1230 said:
Returning if I have to show the effort, I came to this:
\frac{\sin4\alpha}{1+\cos4\alpha}\cdot\frac{\cos2\alpha}{1+\cos2\alpha}\cdot\frac{\cos\alpha}{1+\cos\alpha}=\tan\frac{\alpha}{2}.
=
\frac{\sin4\alpha}{\sin^2\alpha+cos^2\alpha+\cos4\alpha}\cdot\frac{(\sin^2\alpha+cos^2\alpha)-2sin^2\alpha}{\sin^2\alpha+cos^2\alpha+\cos2\alpha}\cdot\frac{\cos\alpha}{\sin^2\alpha+cos^2\alpha+\cos\alpha}=\frac{\sin\alpha^2}{\cos2\alpha}.
I don't know how to use substitutions
Substitute ##\alpha=60^{\circ}## in your expression and check if you come out with ##\tan30^{\circ}##. If not it's back to the drawing board!
 
Fred1230 said:
Returning if I have to show the effort, I came to this:
\frac{\sin4\alpha}{1+\cos4\alpha}\cdot\frac{\cos2\alpha}{1+\cos2\alpha}\cdot\frac{\cos\alpha}{1+\cos\alpha}=\tan\frac{\alpha}{2}.
=
\frac{\sin4\alpha}{\sin^2\alpha+cos^2\alpha+\cos4\alpha}\cdot\frac{(\sin^2\alpha+cos^2\alpha)-2sin^2\alpha}{\sin^2\alpha+cos^2\alpha+\cos2\alpha}\cdot\frac{\cos\alpha}{\sin^2\alpha+cos^2\alpha+\cos\alpha}=\frac{\sin\alpha^2}{\cos2\alpha}.
I don't know how to use substitutions
Do you know a formula for ##\cos(2\alpha)## in terms of ##\cos(\alpha)##?
 

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