Trig Challenge: Proving $\cos^3 y+\sin^3 y=\cos x+\sin x$

In summary, the purpose of proving $\cos^3 y+\sin^3 y=\cos x+\sin x$ is to demonstrate the trigonometric identity that states the sum of the cubes of sine and cosine of an angle are equal to the sum of the sine and cosine of that same angle. This identity can be proved by using the trigonometric identity $\cos^2 y+\sin^2 y=1$ and manipulating it algebraically. It can also be used to solve certain types of trigonometric equations and there are several other related identities. Proving trigonometric identities is important as it deepens our understanding of trigonometric functions and allows for easier manipulation and solving of equations in various fields.
  • #1
anemone
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Show that if $\dfrac{\cos x}{\cos y}+\dfrac{\sin x}{\sin y}=-1$, then $\dfrac{\cos^3 y}{\cos x}+\dfrac{\sin^3 y}{\sin x}=1$.
 
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  • #2
anemone said:
Show that if $\dfrac{\cos x}{\cos y}+\dfrac{\sin x}{\sin y}=-1$, then $\dfrac{\cos^3 y}{\cos x}+\dfrac{\sin^3 y}{\sin x}=1$.
$\dfrac{\cos x}{\cos y}+\dfrac{\sin x}{\sin y}=-1---(1)$,
then $\dfrac{\cos^3 y}{\cos x}+\dfrac{\sin^3 y}{\sin x}=1---(2)$
let:$a=\dfrac{cos\, y}{cos\, x}$
$b=\dfrac{sin\, y}{sin\, x}$
if (2) is true then we must have :$\cos^2\,y=\dfrac {1-b}{a-b}$
and (1)+(2)=$a\,cos^2\,y+b\,sin^2\,y+\dfrac{1}{a}+\dfrac {1}{b}=0$
=$cos^2\,y(a-b)+b+\dfrac{1}{a}+\dfrac{1}{b}=0$
$1-b+b+\dfrac{1}{a}+\dfrac{1}{b}=0$
$\dfrac{1}{a}+\dfrac{1}{b}=-1$
this is given in (1)
 
  • #3
Thanks Albert for your solution!:)

Here is another solution of other I wanted to share:
Let $a=\dfrac{\cos y}{\cos x}$ and $b=\dfrac{\sin y}{\sin x}$.

Since $\dfrac{1}{a}+\dfrac{1}{b}=-1$, we have that $-(a+b)=ab$ or $-(a+b)(a-b)=ab(a-b)\implies (b^2-a^2)=ab(a-b)$. Now,

$\begin{align*}1&=\cos^2 y+\sin^2 y\\&=a^2\cos^2 x+b^2\sin^2 x\\&=a^2+(b^2-a^2)\sin^2 x\\&=a^2+ab(a-b)\sin^2 x\end{align*}$

Hence,

$\begin{align*}\dfrac{\cos^3 y}{\cos x}+\dfrac{\sin^3 y}{\sin x}&=a^3\cos^2 x+b^3\sin^2 x\\&=a(a^2\cos^2 x+b^2\sin^2 x)+(b-a)b^2\sin^2 x\\&=a(1)-(a-b)b^2\sin^2 x\\&=a-\dfrac{(1-a^2)(b)}{a}\\&=\dfrac{a^2+a^2b-b}{a}\\&=\dfrac{a^2+a^2b-(-a-ab)}{a}\\&=a+ab+1+b\\&=0+1\\&=1\end{align*}$
 

1. What is the purpose of proving $\cos^3 y+\sin^3 y=\cos x+\sin x$?

The purpose of proving this equation is to demonstrate the trigonometric identity that states the sum of the cubes of sine and cosine of an angle are equal to the sum of the sine and cosine of that same angle.

2. How do you prove $\cos^3 y+\sin^3 y=\cos x+\sin x$?

The proof of this identity involves using the trigonometric identity $\cos^2 y+\sin^2 y=1$ and manipulating it algebraically to get the desired equation. This can be done by multiplying both sides by $\cos y-\sin y$ and then expanding and simplifying the resulting equation.

3. Can this identity be used to solve trigonometric equations?

Yes, this identity can be used to solve certain types of trigonometric equations. It can be particularly useful when dealing with equations involving sums of cubes of sine and cosine, as it allows for simplification and can make solving the equation easier.

4. Are there any other related trigonometric identities?

Yes, there are several other trigonometric identities that are related to the one being proven. Some examples include the Pythagorean identities, the double angle identities, and the half angle identities. These identities all involve manipulating and simplifying equations involving trigonometric functions.

5. Why is proving trigonometric identities important?

Proving trigonometric identities is important because it helps to deepen our understanding of the relationships between trigonometric functions. It also allows us to better manipulate and solve trigonometric equations, which can be useful in various fields such as physics, engineering, and astronomy.

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