Proving sin(x) & cos(x) with Euler's Formula

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the identities cos(x) = (e^ix + e^-ix)/2 and sin(x) = (e^ix - e^-ix)/2i using Euler's formula. Participants clarify that the proof can be simplified by utilizing the relationships e^(ix) = cos(x) + i*sin(x) and e^(-ix) = cos(x) - i*sin(x), rather than relying solely on series expansions. The initial confusion regarding the presence of "i" in the exponential forms is addressed, leading to a clearer understanding of the proof process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Euler's formula: e^(ix) = cos(x) + i*sin(x)
  • Familiarity with Taylor series for sine and cosine functions
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
  • Knowledge of complex numbers and their properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Euler's formula in detail
  • Learn about Taylor series expansions for trigonometric functions
  • Explore complex number algebra and its applications
  • Investigate additional proofs of trigonometric identities using complex analysis
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, mathematics educators, and anyone interested in the connections between trigonometric functions and complex numbers.

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Homework Statement



Show that cos(x) = (e^ix + e^-ix)/2. Show that sin(x) = (e^ix - e^-ix)/2i.

Homework Equations



sin(x) = [tex]\sum (x^{2n+1}(-1)^{n})/(2n+1)![/tex] for n = zero to infinity

cos(x) = [tex]\sum (x^{2n}(-1)^{n})/(2n)![/tex] for n = zero to infinity

The Attempt at a Solution



I found the first five or six terms for (e^ix + e^-ix)/2 and (e^ix - e^-ix)/2i
I just don't know how I am can prove they equal the trigonometric functions because there are terms that have "i" in them and there are not any i's in the series for sine or cosine.
 
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poobar said:

Homework Statement



Show that cos(x) = (e^ix + e^-ix)/2. Show that sin(x) = (e^ix - e^-ix)/2i.

Homework Equations



sin(x) = [tex]\sum (x^{2n+1}(-1)^{n})/(2n+1)![/tex] for n = zero to infinity

cos(x) = [tex]\sum (x^{2n}(-1)^{n})/(2n)![/tex] for n = zero to infinity

The Attempt at a Solution



I found the first five or six terms for (e^ix + e^-ix)/2 and (e^ix - e^-ix)/2i
I just don't know how I am can prove they equal the trigonometric functions because there are terms that have "i" in them and there are not any i's in the series for sine or cosine.
Do you have to do this using series? If not, you can use the facts that eix = cos(x) + isin(x), and e-ix = cos(x) - isin(x), and some algebra.
 
ah, that makes this problem much simpler. I was on the wrong track because I wrongly assumed I had to use series. Thank you so much!
 

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