Today, in our class, we received a trigonometric equation

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The discussion centers around solving the trigonometric equation sin^10(x) + cos^10(x) = (29/16)cos^4(2x). Participants suggest using Euler's formulas and computer algebra systems for simplification. One approach involves rewriting the equation in terms of u and v, leading to a polynomial that can be factored for easier solutions. Another method proposes transforming the equation using identities for sin^2(x) and cos^2(x) to derive a quadratic equation in terms of cos(2x). The conversation emphasizes the complexity of the algebra involved and the potential for simpler solutions through strategic substitutions.
Bobs
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Member has been warned not to delete the template, and to type in his attempt.
Today,in our class, we received a trigonometric equation
##\sin^{10}{x}+\cos^{10}{x}=\frac{29}{16}\cos^4{2x}##

Here is my attempt:
Pzaegdg.png
 

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<Moderator's note: Solution removed.>

Here's what it looks like graphed out:

EquationS10C10.png
 

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I cannot read a lot of your handwriting, but from what I can read, I suspect you do not have it.
I am assuming you are only looking for the real (non complex) roots.
 
Bobs said:
Today,in our class, we received a trigonometric equation
##\sin^{10}{x}+\cos^{10}{x}=\frac{29}{16}\cos^4{2x}##

Here is my attempt:
View attachment 227423

Here is one way that will work, but be prepared for pages and pages of algebra---or better yet, use a computer algebra package, as I did: I used Maple.

You can use Euler's formulas (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euler's_formula) to write
$$\cos(x) = \frac{1}{2} (u + v), \;\; \sin(x) = \frac{1}{2i} (u - v), $$
where
$$u = e^{ix}, \;\; v = e^{-ix} = \frac 1 u.$$
Also, ##\cos(2x) = (1/2)(e^{2ix} + e^{-2ix}) = (1/2)(u^2 + v^2).## That gives your function
$$f(x) = \sin^{10} (x) + \cos^{10} (x) - \frac{29}{16} \cos^4 (2x)$$
as
$$f = -\left( \frac u 2 - \frac v 2 \right)^{10} + \left( \frac u 2 + \frac v 2 \right)^{10}
- \frac{29}{16} \left( \frac{u^2}{2} + \frac{v^2}{2} \right)^4.$$
Expand it all out, set ##v = 1/u##, then simplify. You will get an expression of the form
$$f = -\frac{P(u^4)}{32 u^8}, $$
where ##P(y)## is a 4th degree polynomial in ##y## with positive integer coefficients. Furthermore, ##P(y)## factors into two quadratics with integer coefficients, so the equation ##f(x) = 0## translates into the easily solvable equation ##P(y) = 0##, where ##y = u^4 = e^{4ix}.##
 
Bobs said:
Today,in our class, we received a trigonometric equation
##\sin^{10}{x}+\cos^{10}{x}=\frac{29}{16}\cos^4{2x}##

Here is my attempt:
View attachment 227423
I can not read the picture. What is your solution?
sin10(x) + cos10(x) can be written as (sin2(x))5+(cos2(x))5,
Using the identities ##\sin^2(x)=\frac{1-\cos(2x)}{2}## and ##\cos^2(x)=\frac{1+\cos(2x)}{2}##. the equation has the variable y=cos(2x). Expanding and simplifying, you get a quadratic equation for y2, with very simple solution.
 
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