Rewrite cos^6(x) in Terms of the First Power of the Cosine

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SUMMARY

The expression cos6(x) can be rewritten in terms of the first power of cosine using the identity cos2(x) = (1 + cos(2x))/2. This leads to the transformation cos6(x) = (cos2(x))3 = ((1 + cos(2x))/2)3. The discussion emphasizes the importance of expressing cos(2x) and cos(3x) in terms of cos(x) for simplification, as direct polynomial transformations are impractical. Participants also highlighted the need for clarity in understanding trigonometric identities.

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Logitech
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Rewrite the expression in terms of the first power of the cosine:

cos^6 x

My guess would be that it would be cos(x)*cos(x)*cos(x)*cos(x)*cos(x)*cos(x)

I'm not sure if that is it, or any way to start the problem even

Please help me :cry:

edit :

cos^6(x)=cos^2(x)*cos^2(x)*cos^2(x)
=.5(1+cos2x)*.5(1+cos2x)*.5(1+cos2x)
then ?
?
 
Last edited:
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Maybe \cos^2{x}=\frac{1+\cos{2x}}{2} will help?
 
nolachrymose said:
Maybe \cos^2{x}=\frac{1+\cos{2x}}{2} will help?


Isn't that what i have?

cos^6(x)=cos^2(x)*cos^2(x)*cos^2(x)
=.5(1+cos2x)*.5(1+cos2x)*.5(1+cos2x)

i am lost again :bugeye:
 
Last edited:
Do it again.
 
Hurkyl said:
Do it again.

what do you mean do it again
 
Logitech said:
Isn't that what i have?

cos^6(x)=cos^2(x)*cos^2(x)*cos^2(x)
=.5(1+cos2x)*.5(1+cos2x)*.5(1+cos2x)

i am lost again :bugeye:

Sorry, I must have posted right before you edited your original post.
 
nolachrymose said:
Sorry, I must have posted right before you edited your original post.

what would i need for the next step
 
I really really need help someone
 
Hmmm.. maybe it's

<br /> \cos^6 x = (\cos^2 x)^3<br />

so then ...

<br /> \cos^6 x = ( \frac { 1 + cos 2x } { 2 } )^3<br />
 
  • #10
how is cos2x = 1 + cos2x / 2 ?

isnt cos2x = 1-sin2x ?
 
  • #11
jai6638 said:
how is cos2x = 1 + cos2x / 2 ?

isnt cos2x = 1-sin2x ?

cos(2x)=cos^2(x)-sin^2(x)
cos(2x)=cos^2(x)-(1-cos^2(x))
cos(2x)=2cos^2(x)-1
cos^2(x)= (\frac { 1 + cos 2x } { 2 } )
 
  • #12
Since we can express cos(2x) and cos(3x) in terms of cos(x) it is a good idea to do so right away when you are asked such a question because you cannot break it up like (5x+x) because that would require a polynomial for cos(5x) in terms of cos(x) which you are not likely to remember or even derive easily. So the sensible thing to do would be to break it up as cos(3x+3x) or cos(2(3x)) and proceed further.
 

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