Trig identity in complex multiplication

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the simplification of a complex multiplication involving trigonometric identities. Participants explore the specific identities used in the transformation of expressions involving complex numbers and their trigonometric representations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the simplification of the complex multiplication and seeks clarification on the trigonometric identities applied.
  • Another participant provides the relevant trigonometric identities for the addition of angles: sin(a+b) and cos(a+b).
  • A participant expresses surprise at not having encountered these identities before.
  • Another participant notes that these identities are basic and typically taught in introductory trigonometry courses.
  • A participant reflects on their own educational experience, indicating a lack of exposure to various trigonometric identities beyond the Pythagorean identity.
  • Another participant comments on the structure of their high school trigonometry curriculum, suggesting it was brief and integrated into a broader math course.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the existence and importance of the trigonometric identities discussed, but there is a divergence in educational experiences and the extent of exposure to these identities.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in educational approaches to teaching trigonometric identities, with some participants indicating gaps in their learning that affect their understanding of complex numbers.

Who May Find This Useful

Students studying complex numbers and trigonometry, educators interested in curriculum development, and individuals seeking to understand the application of trigonometric identities in complex multiplication.

Shaybay92
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Just wondering how this is simplified to the third line:

If w, z are complex numbers

wz = rs( cos[tex]\alpha[/tex] + isin [tex]\alpha[/tex] ) (cos [tex]\varphi[/tex] + isin [tex]\varphi[/tex])

wz = rs(cos[tex]\alpha[/tex] cos [tex]\varphi[/tex] - sin [tex]\alpha[/tex]sin[tex]\varphi[/tex]) + i(sin [tex]\alpha[/tex]cos[tex]\varphi[/tex] + cos [tex]\alpha[/tex] sin [tex]\varphi[/tex]))

wz = rs(cos ([tex]\alpha[/tex] +[tex]\varphi[/tex]) + i sin([tex]\alpha[/tex] +[tex]\varphi[/tex]))

What sort of trigonometric identity is used here between the 2nd and 3rd lines?
 
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Exactly those as written:

sin(a+b) = sin(a)cos(b) + cos(a)sin(b)
cos(a+b) = cos(a)cos(b) - sin(a)sin(b)
 
Thanks I hadn't seen these identities before
 
Shaybay92 said:
Thanks I hadn't seen these identities before

These are basic identities, which are taught in the first course of trigonometry.
 
You would think so but apparently my school doesn't see the importance in teaching this stuff. The only identity we were taught was

sin^2(x) + cos^2(x) = 1

not even all the half angle ones which I'm finding out about now... How helpful for me!
 
It looks like your school must teach trigonometry for a couple of weeks within a broader math course. When I was in high school, we had a one semester course for trig.
 

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