Trig factor formula proof help.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the trigonometric identity for the sum of sines, specifically the formula sinP + sinQ = 2sin((P+Q)/2)cos((P-Q)/2). Participants clarify the steps involved in using the sine addition formulas sin(A+B) and sin(A-B) to arrive at this result. Key transformations include setting A+B = P and A-B = Q, leading to A = (P+Q)/2 and B = (P-Q)/2. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding these substitutions to grasp the derivation fully.

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  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation of equations.
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tweety1234
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Homework Statement



I don't understand the example in my book,

it says; use the formula for sin(A+B) and sin(A-B) to derive the result that;

sinP + sinQ = 2sin\frac{P+Q}{2} cos\frac{P-Q}{2}

sin(A+B) = sinAcosB + cosAcosB

sin(A-B) = sinAcosB-cosAsinB

Add the two intenties to get;

sin(A+B) + sin(A-B) 2sinAcosB

let A+B = P and A-B=Q

then A = \frac{p+q}{2} and B = \frac{P-Q}{2}

This is the bit I don't get, How did they get this bit ^^. I understand that the LHS becomes sinP+sinQ but don't understand how they got the fraction?

sinP + sinQ = 2sin\frac{P+Q}{2} cos\frac{P-Q}{2}
 
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Hi tweety1234! :smile:

I'm not sure what you're not getting …

you have sin(A+B) + sin(A-B) = 2sinAcosB,

and sinAcosB = sin((P+Q)/2)cos((P-Q)/2)
 
tweety1234 said:
let A+B = P and A-B=Q

then A = \frac{p+q}{2} and B = \frac{P-Q}{2}

This is the bit I don't get, How did they get this bit ^^. I understand that the LHS becomes sinP+sinQ but don't understand how they got the fraction?

Add the equations A+B = P and A-B=Q, giving 2A = P+Q

A = (P+Q)/2.

Now subtract those two equations instead of adding them to get B.
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi tweety1234! :smile:

I'm not sure what you're not getting …

you have sin(A+B) + sin(A-B) = 2sinAcosB,

and sinAcosB = sin((P+Q)/2)cos((P-Q)/2)

I don't get how they got P+Q and P-Q ?
 
LCKurtz said:
Add the equations A+B = P and A-B=Q, giving 2A = P+Q

A = (P+Q)/2.

Now subtract those two equations instead of adding them to get B.

Oh I get it now.

Thanks.

so it would be, A+B=P -A-B =Q

2B=p-q
 

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