What happens when comparing coefficients for RSin(a+b) and RCos(a+b)?

  • Thread starter Thread starter thomas49th
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
When comparing coefficients for RSin(a+b), the coefficients for sin and cos are swapped, while for RCos(a+b), they remain in their original order. The equations RSin(x+a) and RCos(x+a) illustrate this difference, with RSin(x+a) yielding coefficients of 1 for sin(a) and 4 for cos(a), and vice versa for RCos(x+a). The discussion emphasizes that sin(x+a) and cos(x+a) are fundamentally different, leading to the necessity of this coefficient swapping. This distinction is crucial for correctly applying the formulas in trigonometric transformations. Understanding these relationships is essential for accurate calculations in trigonometry.
thomas49th
Messages
645
Reaction score
0
Am i right in saying that when your comparing co-efficients for RSin(a+b) you swap over for the coefficients for sin and cos, while in RCos(a+b) you don't swap the co-efficients?

RSin(x+a)= RSinxCosa + RCosxSina
4Sin + 1Cos = RSinxCosa + RCosxSina

RSina = 1
RCosa = 4

BUT for RCos(x+a) = RSinxCosa + RCosxSina


4Sin + 1Cos = RSinxCosa + RCosxSina

RSina = 4
RCosa = 1

Do you see what i mean?

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
1. sin(x + a) = sin(x)cos(a) + cos(x)sin(a) so Rsin(x+a) = Rsin(x)cos(a)+Rcos(x)sin(a)
2. cos(x + a) = cos(x)cos(a) − sin(x)sin(a) so Rcos(x+a) = Rcos(x)cos(a)-Rsin(x)sin(a)

sin(x+a) \neq cos(x+a)
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K