# Homework Help: Trigonometric identities and complex numbers

1. Jan 14, 2013

### PedroB

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Show, using complex numbers, that sin(x)+cos(x)=(√2)cos(x-∏/4)

2. Relevant equations

cos(x)=(e^(ix)+e^(-ix))/2
sin(x)=(e^(ix)-e^(-ix))/2i

e^ix=cos(x)+isin(x)

3. The attempt at a solution

I was given the hint that sin(x)=Re(-ie^(ix)), but have thus far not been able to determine its usefullness. I have tried squaring the expression, which (after simplification) yields:

1+sin(2x)

but cannot seem to go further. I assume that the crux of the solution lies in fully expressing sin(x)+cos(x) as purely cos in terms of complex exponentials, but everything I try just brings me back to the original expression. Am I missing a fundamental equivalence between either of these trigonometric functions and a complex number? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank-you in advance.

(Obviously all work done in trying to solve this problem involves the assumption that I do not know the final answer)

2. Jan 14, 2013

### Staff: Mentor

Start with the right side of your identity, √2 cos(x - $\pi/4$). The identity I show just above can be used to rewrite √2 cos(x - $\pi/4$) in its exponential form. The rest is fairly straightforward but does take a few steps.