Prove Standard Formulae for cos(theta+phi) & sin(theta+phi)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the standard trigonometric identities for cos(theta + phi) and sin(theta + phi) using Euler's formula. The identities are defined as cos(theta + phi) = cos(theta)cos(phi) - sin(theta)sin(phi) and sin(theta + phi) = sin(theta)cos(phi) + sin(phi)cos(theta). The approach involves expanding e^(i(t+p)) and matching the real and imaginary parts to derive the identities without relying on pre-existing trigonometric identities.

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  • Understanding of Euler's formula: e^(ix) = cos(x) + isin(x)
  • Familiarity with complex numbers and their representation
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometric functions and identities
  • Ability to manipulate real and imaginary parts of complex expressions
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Homework Statement



By considering the real and imaginary parts of the product eithetaeiphi, prove the standard formulae for cos(theta+phi) and sin(theta+phi)



Homework Equations



The standard formula for:
cos(theta+phi) = cos(theta)cos(phi) - sin(theta)sin(phi)
sin(theta+phi) = sin(theta)cos(phi) + sin(phi)cos(theta)

The Attempt at a Solution



from hereon out, let's let t=theta and p=phi. I can't figure out how to put the symbols in there on this site

ei(t+p) = [cos(t) + isin(t)] [cos(p) + isin(p)]

= cos(t)cos(p) - sin(t)sin(p) + isin(t)cos(p) + isin(p)cos(t)

REAL PART = cos(t)cos(p) - sin(t)sin(p)
IMAGINARY PART = isin(t)cos(p) + isin(p)cos(t)

but I can't use the trig identities because I have to prove them. I'm probably not going in the right direction, but if somebody could point me in the right way, that would be great!

Thanks!
Andrew
 
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You could then expand e^{i(\phi+\theta)}=cos(\phi+\theta)+isin(\phi+\theta) by just considering phi+theta to be collectively x in the Euler's formula. If you match the real and imaginary parts you should get the correct trig identities.
 

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