Summing sines/cosines (Harmonic Addition Theorem)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the Harmonic Addition Theorem in a mathematical model involving points on a unit circle. Participants explore the implications of fixing one point while allowing others to vary, and whether this scenario appropriately utilizes the theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a model involving three points on a unit circle, spaced 120° apart, and questions the application of the Harmonic Addition Theorem when two points are free to vary.
  • Another participant suggests that different arguments are needed for different points on the circle and references sum-to-product formulas as relevant to the discussion.
  • A third participant clarifies that they are not seeking formulas but rather confirmation on the appropriateness of applying the Harmonic Addition Theorem in their model.
  • A later reply expresses uncertainty about the model's intent and notes that the harmonic addition theorem is merely a formula, implying flexibility in its application.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the application of the Harmonic Addition Theorem, with no consensus reached regarding its appropriateness in the described model.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the symmetry and specific model intentions, as well as the dependence on the definitions of the terms used in the discussion.

omission9
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I have a mathematical model which, in part, does a calculation based on the location of certain points on a unit circle.
I am just working in 2d so for some arbitrary values of a,b,c,d,e,f
In the case of the unit circle equally divided so that I have three points on the unit circle (120° apart) this would look like this:
x=a cos (θ) + b cos (θ) + c cos (θ)
y=d sin (θ) + e sin (θ) + f sin (θ)
Now, I want to examine what happens if any two of these points are "free". That is, only one of the points is fixed and the others may individually take on any value from 0° to 360°.
Here is my question:
In this case I believe the model must use the Harmonic Addition Theorem, yes?
I believe this is the case since the two free positions on the circle have the same period but are out of phase with each other since they are moving independent of each other and can take on any arbitrary value. Is that right?
In this case my model would then look like this (where A and B represent the differences in phase)
x=a cos (θ) + (b cos (θ-A) + c cos (θ-B) )
y=d sin (θ) + (e sin (θ-A) + f sin (θ-B))
Is this correct?
 
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omission9 said:
In the case of the unit circle equally divided so that I have three points on the unit circle (120° apart) this would look like this:
x=a cos (θ) + b cos (θ) + c cos (θ)
y=d sin (θ) + e sin (θ) + f sin (θ)

If you are using different points on the circle, you need different arguments i.e. ##\theta_1, \theta_2, \theta_3##.

In any case I believe the formulas you are asking for are the sum-to-product formulas. Look at the bottom of this link: trig formulas, or if you really want the harmonic addition theorem, it's here harmonic addition
 
theorem4.5.9 said:
If you are using different points on the circle, you need different arguments i.e. ##\theta_1, \theta_2, \theta_3##.

In any case I believe the formulas you are asking for are the sum-to-product formulas.

I am not asking for the formulas. I already know those! What am I asking is if this is an appropriate application of the Harmonic Addition Theorem. Is it?
 
In that case I'm not sure what you're asking. I'm not sure what your model is suppose to be or what symmetry you're trying to take advantage of. The harmonic addition theorem is just a formula, so there's not really a wrong application of it.
 

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