Quick Trigonometric Identity Question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a trigonometric identity related to an integral involving the expression sin((x+y)/2) * cos((x-y)/2). The original poster is exploring the transformation of this expression into a form involving sin(x) + sin(y) and is seeking confirmation on the validity of this transformation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to confirm the validity of transforming a trigonometric expression into another form. Participants inquire about the region of integration and discuss the implications of the defined boundaries on the integral.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's queries, providing feedback on the transformation and discussing the region of integration. There is an acknowledgment of a potential typo in the region boundaries, and the original poster is re-evaluating their approach based on this feedback.

Contextual Notes

The region of integration is initially described as bounded by specific equations, but a participant questions this characterization, leading to a clarification from the original poster regarding a typo in the equations. The original poster also notes that their attempt to use the trigonometric identity may not yield a simpler solution due to the upper bound of the integral.

Draconifors
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Hi! I have an integral to solve (that's not the point, though) and the inside of the integral is almost a trig identity:

1. Homework Statement

##sin\frac{(x+y)} {2}*cos\frac{(x-y)} {2} ##

Homework Equations



I noticed this was very similar to ##sinx+siny = 2sin \frac{(x+y)} {2} * cos\frac{(x-y)} {2}##

The Attempt at a Solution


Initially, within the context of the problem (a double integral over a certain region) I had used a change of variables which, while tedious, was doable (I can share that work, if you want). While reviewing my work, I recalled this identity, and just wanted to make sure whether or not I could transform the equation into ## \frac {1} {2} (sinx+siny) = sin \frac{(x+y)} {2} * cos\frac{(x-y)} {2}##. I don't see why I couldn't, but I just want a confirmation.

Thank you for your time!
 
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Draconifors said:
Hi! I have an integral to solve (that's not the point, though) and the inside of the integral is almost a trig identity:

1. Homework Statement

##sin\frac{(x+y)} {2}*cos\frac{(x-y)} {2} ##

Homework Equations



I noticed this was very similar to ##sinx+siny = 2sin \frac{(x+y)} {2} * cos\frac{(x-y)} {2}##

The Attempt at a Solution


Initially, within the context of the problem (a double integral over a certain region) I had used a change of variables which, while tedious, was doable (I can share that work, if you want). While reviewing my work, I recalled this identity, and just wanted to make sure whether or not I could transform the equation into ## \frac {1} {2} (sinx+siny) = sin \frac{(x+y)} {2} * cos\frac{(x-y)} {2}##. I don't see why I couldn't, but I just want a confirmation.

Thank you for your time!
That looks perfectly fine to me.

What is region of integration?
 
SammyS said:
That looks perfectly fine to me.

What is region of integration?

Thank you for your answer!

The region is bounded by ##x+y=0 ##, ##x+y=2 ## and ##y=0 ##.

That's why I had initially defined ##u=x-y ## and ##v=x+y ##. It was a doable but kind of long integral to do, so I wanted to see whether I could shorten it down.
 
Draconifors said:
Thank you for your answer!

The region is bounded by ##x+y=0 ##, ##x+y=2 ## and ##y=0 ##.

That's why I had initially defined ##u=x-y ## and ##v=x+y ##. It was a doable but kind of long integral to do, so I wanted to see whether I could shorten it down.
That region is not bounded. Is there a typo ?
 
SammyS said:
That region is not bounded. Is there a typo ?

Yes, I'm sorry!

It should read ##x-y=0## for the first equation.And I'm redoing my problem using the trigonometric identity, and I notice that it's not actually shorter because of my upper bound being 2-x for y.
 
Draconifors said:
Yes, I'm sorry!

It should read ##x-y=0## for the first equation.And I'm redoing my problem using the trigonometric identity, and I notice that it's not actually shorter because of my upper bound being 2-x for y.
Well, it was a good idea anyway. It just didn't work out in this case.
 

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