Proving trigonometric functions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the equality of the expression \(6\cos(x+45) \cos(x-45)\) to \(3\cos x\). Participants explore trigonometric identities and graphing implications, while also addressing potential errors in the original claim.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how to prove that \(6\cos(x+45) \cos(x-45) = 3\cos x\).
  • Another participant suggests using the sum/difference identity, proposing that the expression should equal \(3\cos(2x)\) instead of \(3\cos x\).
  • A later reply acknowledges a typo in the original question, confirming the intended equality was \(3\cos(2x)\).
  • Participants discuss graphing the expressions in Desmos, questioning whether two graphs should overlap.
  • One participant points out that in Desmos, angles should be expressed in radians, specifically suggesting to use \(\pi/4\) instead of 45 degrees.
  • Another participant challenges the original claim, stating that it is not true by providing a counterexample with \(x = 45\) degrees, showing that the left-hand side evaluates to 0 while the right-hand side does not.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the original claim, as some participants argue that the expression does not hold true, while others propose alternative interpretations using trigonometric identities.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the correctness of the original equality and the implications of using degrees versus radians in calculations.

kbr1804
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How can i prove that 6cos(x+45) cos(x-45) is equal to 3cosx?
 
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use the sum/difference identity $\cos(a \pm b) = \cos{a}\cos{b} \mp \sin{a}\sin{b}$

it should be equal to $3\cos(2x)$, not $3\cos{x}$
 
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yeah i think i got it lol thanks a lot:)and yeah it was supposed to equal to 3cos2x that was a typo
 
Beer soaked ramblings follow.
kbr1804 said:
How can i prove that 6cos(x+45) cos(x-45) is equal to 3cosx?
skeeter said:
use the sum/difference identity $\cos(a \pm b) = \cos{a}\cos{b} \mp \sin{a}\sin{b}$

it should be equal to $3\cos(2x)$, not $3\cos{x}$
kbr1804 said:
yeah i think i got it lol thanks a lot:)and yeah it was supposed to equal to 3cos2x that was a typo
Three graphs; shouldn't 2 of them have the same graph?
https://www.desmos.com/calculator/x3dyyfbucy
 
show up the same on my calculator ...

trig_eqs.png

trig_grafs.png


and on Desmos ...

[DESMOS]{"version":7,"graph":{"viewport":{"xmin":-180,"ymin":-10.762090536086637,"xmax":180,"ymax":10.762090536086637},"degreeMode":true,"squareAxes":false},"randomSeed":"78931067dd5aa2f77a194c669752ab59","expressions":{"list":[{"type":"expression","id":"1","color":"#c74440","latex":"6\\cos\\left(x+45\\right)\\cos\\left(x-45\\right)\\left\\{x>0\\right\\}"},{"type":"expression","id":"2","color":"#2d70b3","latex":"3\\cos\\left(2x\\right)\\left\\{x<0\\right\\}"},{"type":"expression","id":"3","color":"#388c46"}]}}[/DESMOS]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
jonah, in Desmos one should write $\pi/4$ instead of 45.
 
Evgeny.Makarov said:
jonah, in Desmos one should write $\pi/4$ instead of 45.

One can change to degree mode with the "wrench" button menu
 
Beer soaked ramblings follow.
Evgeny.Makarov said:
jonah, in Desmos one should write $\pi/4$ instead of 45.
skeeter said:
One can change to degree mode with the "wrench" button menu
Well aware of that.
Force of habit.
In the absence of the degree symbol (°), assumed that 45 was in radians.
Didn't occur to me to check it in degree mode.
Usually do it by multiplying the degree measure by $\frac{\pi}{180}$ if the expression just gives it once. Otherwise, I usually do it by skeeter's suggestion (which I'm also quite aware of).
skeeter said:
... and on Desmos ...

[DESMOS]{"version":7,"graph":{"viewport":{"xmin":-180,"ymin":-10.762090536086637,"xmax":180,"ymax":10.762090536086637},"degreeMode":true,"squareAxes":false},"randomSeed":"78931067dd5aa2f77a194c669752ab59","expressions":{"list":[{"type":"expression","id":"1","color":"#c74440","latex":"6\\cos\\left(x+45\\right)\\cos\\left(x-45\\right)\\left\\{x>0\\right\\}"},{"type":"expression","id":"2","color":"#2d70b3","latex":"3\\cos\\left(2x\\right)\\left\\{x<0\\right\\}"},{"type":"expression","id":"3","color":"#388c46"}]}}[/DESMOS]
I've often wondered what kind of platform this type of Desmos "quoting" is ever since I saw one of Klaas van Aarsen's post which used the same method. It isn't just a link to Desmos as I found out when I hit the reply tab on my phone. Is it that the TikZ thingamajig I've been seeing a lot lately on this site? I think I remember copying that stuff in another math site but was surprised that it didn't work there.
 
kbr1804 said:
How can i prove that 6cos(x+45) cos(x-45) is equal to 3cosx?
You CAN'T- it's not true! For example if x= 45 degrees this becomes 6 cos(90)cos(0)= 6(0)(1)= 0 but 3 cos(45)= 3sqrt(2)/2.
 
  • #10
Country Boy said:
You CAN'T- it's not true! For example if x= 45 degrees this becomes 6 cos(90)cos(0)= 6(0)(1)= 0 but 3 cos(45)= 3sqrt(2)/2.

post #2 …

skeeter said:
use the sum/difference identity $\cos(a \pm b) = \cos{a}\cos{b} \mp \sin{a}\sin{b}$

it should be equal to $3\cos(2x)$, not $3\cos{x}$
 

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