Simple differentiation problem, brainfart

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a differentiation problem involving the functions F(x) and G(x), specifically focusing on the simplification of a fraction that results from applying the quotient rule. The subject area is calculus, particularly differentiation and trigonometric identities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the simplification of a complex fraction resulting from the differentiation of trigonometric functions. Some suggest expanding quadratics and utilizing trigonometric identities, while others explore specific reductions of terms.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants sharing their attempts at simplification and exploring various trigonometric identities. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of identities, but no consensus has been reached on the final simplification.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework problem, which may limit the information available for simplification. There is an emphasis on using known trigonometric identities to aid in the process.

James889
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Hai,

I have the easiest problem but I am stuck at the last step, simplification.

[tex]\frac{cos3x+sin3x}{cos3x-sin3x}[/tex]

[tex]\begin{aligned}<br /> F(x) = cos(3x)+sin(3x)\\<br /> F'(x) = -3sin(3x)+3cos(3x) \\<br /> G(x) = cos(3x)-sin(3x) \\<br /> G'(x) = -3sin(3x)-3cos(3x)\end{aligned}[/tex]

This gives [tex]\frac{(-3sin(3x)+3cos(3x))*(cos(3x)-sin(3x))+(cos(3x)+sin(3x))*(cos(3x)-sin(3x))}{(cos(3x)-sin(3x))^2}[/tex]

But how would i simplify this?
 
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Expand the quadratics and look for identities. Already I can find sin^2 + cos^2 identities on both the top and bottom.
 
Also, it will help to remember that sin(u)cos(u) = (1/2)sin(2u)
 
Okay, after some more trying:

I was able to reduce the first part[tex](-3sin(3x)+3cos(3x))(cos(3x)-sin(3x))[/tex]
Down to:
[tex]-3sin(3x)*cos(3x) + 3 -3cos(3x)*sin(3x)[/tex]

And the second part:[tex](cos(3x)+sin(3x))*(cos(3x)-sin(3x))[/tex]
Down to:
[tex]cos(3x)^{2}-sin(3x)^{2}-2sin(3x)cos(3x)[/tex]

Is that any better?
 
James889 said:
Okay, after some more trying:

I was able to reduce the first part[tex](-3sin(3x)+3cos(3x))(cos(3x)-sin(3x))[/tex]
Down to:
-3sin(3x)*cos(3x) + 3 -3cos(3x)*sin(3x)

And the second part:[tex](cos(3x)+sin(3x))*(cos(3x)-sin(3x))[/tex]
Down to:
cos(3x)^{2}-sin(3x)^{2}-2sin(3x)cos(3x)

Is that any better?

Take note of AUMathtutor's comment
 
Also, naturally,

cos(u)^{2} - sin(u)^{2} = cos(2u)
 

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