Trigonometry Proof: Proving Sin^8 + Cos^8 = (a+b)^3

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The discussion revolves around proving the equality sin^8(x)/a^3 + cos^8(x)/b^3 = 1/(a+b)^3, starting from the given equation sin^4(x)/a + cos^4(x)/b = 1/(a+b). Initial attempts included cubing both sides of the first equation and cross-multiplying, but these approaches did not yield a solution. The user reached an intermediate equation involving sin^4(x) and cos^4(x) but found cubing it unhelpful. The thread highlights the challenges in manipulating trigonometric identities and suggests that cubing the second equation may be a viable strategy. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the complexity of the proof and seeks collaborative input for a solution.
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Homework Statement


Given the equality
\frac{sin^4(x)}{a} + \frac{cos^4}{b} = \frac{1}{a+b}

Prove that :
\frac{sin^8(x)}{a^3} + \frac{cos^8}{b^3} = \frac{1}{(a+b)^3}

The Attempt at a Solution


I cubed on both the sides of the 1st equation and solved a bit, reaching no where. Then I tried by cross multiplying a+b, getting
sin^4(x)+ cos^4(x) + \frac{b}{a}sin^4x + \frac{a}{b}cos^4x = 1

\frac{b}{a}sin^4x + \frac{a}{b}cos^4x = 2sin\frac{x}{2}cos\frac{x}{2}

Cubing this one didnt seem appropriate either. Maybe this is the wrong way I'm going in :-p
Please help..
 
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I think you can cube the 2nd equation :p
 
Since ##px^9+q## is the factor, then ##x^9=\frac{-q}{p}## will be one of the roots. Let ##f(x)=27x^{18}+bx^9+70##, then: $$27\left(\frac{-q}{p}\right)^2+b\left(\frac{-q}{p}\right)+70=0$$ $$b=27 \frac{q}{p}+70 \frac{p}{q}$$ $$b=\frac{27q^2+70p^2}{pq}$$ From this expression, it looks like there is no greatest value of ##b## because increasing the value of ##p## and ##q## will also increase the value of ##b##. How to find the greatest value of ##b##? Thanks
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