Using Trigonometry for solving a Cubic equation

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    Cubic Trigonometry
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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a general cubic equation of the form \(ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d = 0\) using trigonometric identities. The key substitution discussed is \(y = 2\sqrt{-\frac{p}{3}}\cos\theta\), which simplifies the cubic equation into a trigonometric form \(y^3 + py + q = 0\). The values of \(p\) and \(q\) are derived from the coefficients of the cubic equation, specifically \(p = \frac{c}{a} - \left(\frac{b}{a}\right)^2/3\) and \(q = \frac{d}{a} - \frac{b}{a}\cdot\frac{c}{a}/3 + \left(\frac{b}{a}\right)^3/27\). This substitution leverages the identity \(cos(3\theta) = 4cos^3(\theta) - 3cos(\theta)\) to facilitate the solution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cubic equations and their standard form.
  • Knowledge of trigonometric identities, particularly \(cos(3\theta)\).
  • Familiarity with polynomial substitution techniques.
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation and application of Cardano's method for solving cubic equations.
  • Learn about the relationship between trigonometric functions and polynomial equations.
  • Explore advanced topics in algebra, such as Galois theory, to understand the solvability of polynomial equations.
  • Study the implications of using trigonometric substitutions in calculus and real analysis.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying algebra and trigonometry, and anyone interested in advanced methods for solving polynomial equations.

cbarker1
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Dear Everyone,

I need some help for this general cubic equation.

\[ax^3+bx^2+cx+d=0\]. First divide the equation by a
\[x^3+b/ax^2+c/ax+d/a=0\]

Let x=y-b/(3a)
...

$$y^3+py+q=0$$
where $$p=c/a-(b/a)^2)/3;q=d/a-(b/a*c/a)/3+(b/a)^3/27$$
$$y=cos \theta$$
then i need to use the identity for $$cos(3\theta)= 4cos^3(\theta)-3cos(\theta) $$

and that is where need the help.
What to do next?

Thank you for your patiences
Cbarker1
 
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I read that article already. I am still confuse with the substitution.
 
Cbarker1 said:
I read that article already. I am still confuse with the substitution.

Did you try the substitution $y=2\sqrt{-\frac p 3}\cos\theta$?
 
Why Do the substitution works?
 
Cbarker1 said:
Why Do the substitution works?

It is exactly the substitution the wiki article describes.
A great mathematician thought it up.
So yes, the substitution works.
 

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