Who Discovered the Trig Sum Formulas?

In summary, The equations sin(a + b) = sin(a)cos(b) + cos(a)sin(b) and sin(a - b) = sin(a)cos(b) - cos(a)sin(b), as well as cos(a + b) = cos(a)cos(b) - sin(a)sin(b) and cos(a - b) = cos(a)cos(b) + sin(a)sin(b), were derived by Julia Ward Howe in 1861 and became a popular Civil War marching song, known as the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Attempts at singing these equations were made, but with little success. No serious comments were made about the equations.
  • #1
ImAnEngineer
209
1
sin(a + b) = sin(a)cos(b) + cos(a)sin(b)
sin(a - b) = sin(a)cos(b) - cos(a)sin(b)

cos(a + b) = cos(a)cos(b) - sin(a)sin(b)
cos(a - b) = cos(a)cos(b) + sin(a)sin(b)

Who first derived them? When, and how?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
ImAnEngineer said:
Who first derived them? When, and how?

Not how, but Howe … Julia Ward Howe, in 1861, derived them, and they became a Civil War marching song, to the tune now known as the Battle Hymn of the Republic. :wink:
 
  • #3
tiny-tim said:
Not how, but Howe … Julia Ward Howe, in 1861, derived them, and they became a Civil War marching song, to the tune now known as the Battle Hymn of the Republic. :wink:
If it's a joke... sorry but I don't get it.
 
  • #4
ImAnEngineer said:
If it's a joke... sorry but I don't get it.

:rolleyes:

try singing it! :smile:
 
  • #5
tiny-tim said:
:rolleyes:

try singing it! :smile:

Struggling to get a nice melody... :P

Any serious comments?
 

1. What are the basic trig sum formulas?

The three basic trig sum formulas are:
1. sin(A + B) = sin A cos B + cos A sin B
2. cos(A + B) = cos A cos B - sin A sin B
3. tan(A + B) = (tan A + tan B) / (1 - tan A tan B)
These formulas are used to find the sine, cosine, and tangent of the sum of two angles.

2. How are the trig sum formulas derived?

The trig sum formulas can be derived from the addition formulas for sine, cosine, and tangent. These addition formulas state that:
1. sin(A + B) = sin A cos B + cos A sin B
2. cos(A + B) = cos A cos B - sin A sin B
3. tan(A + B) = (tan A + tan B) / (1 - tan A tan B)
By substituting A = x and B = y in these formulas, we can obtain the trig sum formulas.

3. What is the purpose of using trig sum formulas?

The main purpose of using trig sum formulas is to simplify trigonometric expressions involving sums of angles. These formulas can also be used to solve trigonometric equations, simplify complex numbers, and prove identities.

4. Are there any other useful trig sum formulas?

Yes, there are many other useful trig sum formulas, such as the double angle formulas and half angle formulas. These formulas are used to find the sine, cosine, and tangent of double or half of an angle.

5. How can I memorize the trig sum formulas?

One way to memorize the trig sum formulas is to understand how they are derived. You can also create your own mnemonics or use flashcards to help you remember the formulas. Practice using the formulas in different problems to reinforce your understanding and memorization.

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