Proof of double angle formulas using Euler's equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the double angle formulas for sine and cosine using Euler's formula, specifically ei2Θ = cos(2Θ) + isin(2Θ). The key steps involve expanding (eiΘ)² to derive the relationships sin(2Θ) = 2sinΘcosΘ and cos(2Θ) = cos²Θ - sin²Θ. The realization that the expansion leads directly to the double angle identities is emphasized, showcasing the effectiveness of Euler's equation in trigonometric proofs.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Euler's formula (eiΘ = cosΘ + isinΘ)
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities
  • Basic knowledge of complex numbers
  • Experience with mathematical proofs
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Euler's formula in depth
  • Explore the applications of double angle formulas in trigonometry
  • Learn about complex number multiplication and its geometric interpretation
  • Investigate other mathematical proofs involving exponential functions
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Mathematics students, educators, and anyone interested in advanced trigonometric identities and their proofs using complex analysis.

SamRoss
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Hi all,

I'm slowly working through "Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences" by Mary Boas, which I highly recommend, and I'm stumped on one of the questions. The problem is to prove the double angle formulas sin (2Θ)=2sinΘcosΘ and cos(2Θ)=cos2Θ-sin2Θ by using Euler's formula (raised to the second power) ei2Θ=cos(2Θ)+isin(2Θ). I should be splitting this up into two equations, one setting the real parts equal to each other and the other with the imaginary parts but I'm not sure how to do that with the left side looking like it does. Should I first be taking the natural log of both sides? If so, what are the logs of sin and cos?

Thanks!
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Do you know what ##(e^{iΘ})^2## is?
 
fresh_42 said:
Do you know what ##(e^{iΘ})^2## is?
Oh duh...
(e)2=(cosΘ+isinΘ)2=cos2Θ+2isinΘcosΘ-sin2Θ which automatically leads to the answer. I was so stuck on looking at it in exponential form I didn't see what was right in front of me. Thanks for the help!
 

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