Proving trigonometric functions

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the trigonometric identity \(6\cos(x+45^\circ)\cos(x-45^\circ) = 3\cos(2x)\) using the sum/difference identity \(\cos(a \pm b) = \cos{a}\cos{b} \mp \sin{a}\sin{b}\). Participants clarify that the original assertion of the identity equating to \(3\cos(x)\) was incorrect and confirm that it should indeed equal \(3\cos(2x)\). Additionally, there are mentions of using Desmos for graphing these functions and the importance of setting the calculator to degree mode for accurate results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically the sum/difference identity.
  • Familiarity with the concept of cosine functions and their transformations.
  • Basic knowledge of graphing tools like Desmos.
  • Ability to convert between degrees and radians in trigonometric contexts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the sum/difference identity in trigonometry.
  • Learn how to graph trigonometric functions using Desmos, including setting the calculator to degree mode.
  • Explore the properties of cosine functions, particularly transformations such as phase shifts and amplitude changes.
  • Investigate common mistakes in trigonometric identities and how to verify them through examples.
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and anyone interested in mastering trigonometric identities and their applications in mathematics, particularly those using graphing tools for visualization.

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]
 
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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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