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

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The discussion centers on the assumption of r = 1 when proving trigonometric identities using the polar form of complex numbers, specifically in the context of the unit circle. Participants clarify that while the modulus r can be any positive scalar, it is often set to 1 for simplicity, as it relates to points on the unit circle. The identity being discussed is the proof of cos(3θ) using the polar form, which can be derived without assuming r = 1. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the modulus of complex numbers and how it connects to trigonometric identities. Ultimately, it emphasizes the relationship between complex numbers and trigonometric functions through Euler's formula.
  • #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
 
Last edited:
  • #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!
 
  • #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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