SUMMARY
The equation $(\sin \theta + i \cos \theta)^8 = \cos 8\theta - i \sin 8\theta$ is proven using De Moivre's Theorem, which states that $(\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)^n = \cos(n\theta) + i \sin(n\theta)$. By rewriting $(\sin \theta + i \cos \theta)$ in terms of cosine and sine, the proof confirms that the left-hand side simplifies to the right-hand side when raised to the eighth power. This establishes the equality definitively.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of complex numbers and their representation
- Familiarity with De Moivre's Theorem
- Knowledge of trigonometric identities
- Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
- Study De Moivre's Theorem in depth
- Explore the properties of complex exponentiation
- Learn about trigonometric identities and their applications
- Investigate the geometric interpretation of complex numbers
USEFUL FOR
Mathematicians, physics students, and anyone studying complex analysis or trigonometry will benefit from this discussion.