Proving trig identities -- Is the method related to the unit circle?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving trigonometric identities, particularly the identity for ##\cos(3\theta)##. Participants explore the assumption that the modulus ##r## is equal to 1 in the context of the polar representation of complex numbers, specifically ##rcis\theta = r[\cos\theta + i\sin\theta]##, and its relation to the unit circle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question the necessity of assuming ##r = 1## when proving trigonometric identities and discuss the implications of this assumption. Some express confusion about the relationship between the polar form of complex numbers and the unit circle, while others suggest that the modulus can vary without affecting the final identity.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored regarding the role of the modulus in the proof of trigonometric identities. Some participants have provided insights into the nature of complex numbers and their polar forms, while others are seeking clarification on specific points.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the definitions and properties of complex numbers, particularly in relation to the unit circle and De Moivre's Theorem. There is a mix of understanding regarding the assumptions made in the proofs and the mathematical principles involved.

  • #31
SammyS said:
You tell me.
Thank you for your reply @SammyS!I let ##x = \cos\theta## and ##y = i\sin\theta## from the complex circle.

Many thanks!
 
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  • #32
Callumnc1 said:
Thank you for your reply @SammyS!I let ##x = \cos\theta## and ##y = i\sin\theta## from the complex circle.

Many thanks!
No.

##y## does not include the ##i##.

Take some time before blasting back with a thoughtless answer.
 
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  • #33
Callumnc1 said:
Thank you for your reply @FactChecker!

Sorry never mind. I think I understand now.

##[e^{i\theta}]^3 = e^{3\theta i}## which from the definition of Euler's formula gives
##\cos3\theta + i\sin3\theta## interesting that we don't have to use de moiré's theorem.Many thanks!
I guess it depends on what class this is for, and if you are allowed to use Euler's formula. Many people consider Euler's formula to be the most important equation in mathematics.
 
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  • #34
SammyS said:
No.

##y## does not include the ##i##.

Take some time before blasting back with a thoughtless answer.
Thank you for your reply @SammyS!

I just realized that before I read you reply! For some reason I was thinking that it need an i for a point on a unit circle in complex plane.

Many thanks!
 
  • #35
FactChecker said:
I guess it depends on what class this is for, and if you are allowed to use Euler's formula. Many people consider Euler's formula to be the most important equation in mathematics.
Thank you for your reply @FactChecker !

This is for a linear algebra class.

Many thanks!
 
  • #36
SammyS said:
Not quite right.

Details:

##\displaystyle \sqrt {\cos^2\theta + (i^2\sin\theta)}##

is wrong in a couple of ways,
You still haven't correctly stated what is wrong with this.

BY the way, the rest of what you had was correct, That is; ##\displaystyle r=\sqrt {\cos^2\theta+\sin^2\theta}=1##
is correct.
 
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  • #37
SammyS said:
You still haven't correctly stated what is wrong with this.

BY the way, the rest of what you had was correct, That is; ##\displaystyle r=\sqrt {\cos^2\theta+\sin^2\theta}=1##
is correct.
Thank you for your reply @SammyS!

What was wrong was the ##i##, if I remove it, it solves the problem. It is kind of cool that it still gave the correct answer with the i, which makes me wonder.

Many thanks!
 
  • #38
Callumnc1 said:
Thank you for your reply @SammyS!

What was wrong was the ##i##, if I remove it, it solves the problem. It is kind of cool that it still gave the correct answer with the i, which makes me wonder.

Many thanks!
It does not give the correct answer with the ##i## included, even if you square the ##\sin \theta##.

What is ##\displaystyle i^2## ?
 
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  • #39
SammyS said:
It does not give the correct answer with the ##i## included, even if you square the ##\sin \theta##.

What is ##\displaystyle i^2## ?
Thank you for your reply @SammyS!

Oh true! ##i^2 = -1## - I see now!

Thank you!
 
  • #40
FactChecker said:
No, this is only true if ##|z| = 1##. In general,
##z = |z|e^{i \arg(z)} = |z|(\cos(\arg(z))+i\sin(\arg(z))) = |z|(\cos(\theta)+i\sin(\theta))##, where ##\theta = \arg(z)##.
Yeah true I forgot to write "where ##|z| = 1##" it was very late for me (in little sweden)
 
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  • #41
malawi_glenn said:
Yeah true I forgot to write "where ##|z| = 1##" it was very late for me (in little sweden)
Thank you for your help @malawi_glenn !
 
  • #42
Callumnc1 said:
Oh, so ## r = \sqrt {\cos^2\theta + (i^2\sin\theta)} = \sqrt { \cos^2\theta + \sin^2\theta} = 1##
That's just so wrong!
 
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  • #43
Callumnc1 said:
Thank you for your help @malawi_glenn !
You need to stop cluttering up your threads with all these unnecessary thanks.
 
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  • #44
PeroK said:
You need to stop cluttering up your threads with all these unnecessary thanks.
Thank you for your replies @PeroK!

I like to be thankful to your guys spending you time helping me.
 
  • #45
PeroK said:
That's just so wrong!
Agree!
 
  • #46
PeroK said:
You need to stop cluttering up your threads with all these unnecessary thanks.
Callumnc1 said:
Thank you for your replies @PeroK!

I like to be thankful to your guys spending you time helping me.
That's a nice sentiment, but I agree with @PeroK that putting in a thank you reply in every post is way overdoing it.
 
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  • #47
Mark44 said:
That's a nice sentiment, but I agree with @PeroK that putting in a thank you reply in every post is way overdoing it.
Ok I will say thank you less in precalculus forums.
 
  • #48
Callumnc1 said:
Ok I will say thank you less in precalculus forums.
No need in making a new reply just to say thanks. A "like" is just as good as showing apprechiation.

We also get a notice that you have replied and thus we check if you have more questions. With likes we just assume it was a thanks
 
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  • #49
##|z|^2= z \bar z = r(\cos \theta + i\sin \theta) r(\cos \theta - i \sin \theta) = ... ## please continue
 
  • #50
malawi_glenn said:
##|z|^2= z \bar z = r(\cos \theta + i\sin \theta) r(\cos \theta - i \sin \theta) = ... ## please continue
malawi_glenn said:
No need in making a new reply just to say thanks. A "like" is just as good as showing apprechiation.

We also get a notice that you have replied and thus we check if you have more questions. With likes we just assume it was a thanks
Thank you for your replies @malawi_glenn !

##|z| = r^2[\cos^2\theta + \sin^2\theta] = r^2[1] = r^2##

Many thanks!
 
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  • #51
Post #47:
Callumnc1 said:
Ok I will say thank you less in precalculus forums.
Post #50:
Callumnc1 said:
Thank you for your replies @malawi_glenn !
<snip>
Many thanks!
Less ##\ne## more -- just saying.
 
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  • #52
ChiralSuperfields said:
Thank you for your replies @malawi_glenn !

##|z| = r^2[\cos^2\theta + \sin^2\theta] = r^2[1] = r^2##

Many thanks!
The equation should begin with ##|z|^2=\dots##
 
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  • #53
kuruman said:
The equation should begin with ##|z|^2=\dots##
True, thanks for pointing that out @kuruman!
 
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  • #54
SammyS said:
What do you mean by "Thanks"?

I intended that you apply that to ##\displaystyle \cos(\theta)+i\sin(\theta)## and show that its Modulus is indeed ##1## .

Math is a not a spectator sport. You must practice and do, not just watch and cheer.
@SammyS you made my day! I'll pass this to my students.

' Math is a not a spectator sport. You must practice and do, not just watch and cheer".

Nice one mate.

:biggrin: :bow: :biggrin:
 
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  • #55
ChiralSuperfields said:
True, thanks for pointing that out @kuruman!
@ChiralSuperfields i would suggest on a light note that you avoid the many thanks remarks in your posts and instead stick to the material/work at hand. That is how you will gain respect and momentum in the subject. Get down to work! Cheers mate.
 
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