What is the quadratic trig identity for cosine when simplified?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The quadratic trigonometric identity for cosine simplifies to the equation $$\cos(4x) = 8\sin^4(x) - 8\sin^2(x) + 1$$. This derivation utilizes the double-angle identities for both cosine and sine, specifically $$\cos(4x) = 1 - 2\sin^2(2x)$$ and $$\sin(2x) = 2\sin(x)\cos(x)$$. The final expression confirms the relationship between sine and cosine in the context of the fourth angle.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically double-angle identities.
  • Familiarity with sine and cosine functions and their properties.
  • Knowledge of polynomial expressions and simplification techniques.
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of other trigonometric identities, such as the triple angle formulas.
  • Explore the applications of trigonometric identities in calculus, particularly in integration.
  • Learn about the unit circle and its role in understanding sine and cosine functions.
  • Investigate the graphical representations of trigonometric functions and their transformations.
USEFUL FOR

Students of mathematics, educators teaching trigonometry, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of trigonometric identities and their applications.

karush
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
3,240
Reaction score
5
$$\cos\left({4x}\right)
=8\sin^4\left({x}\right)
-8\sin^2\left({x}\right)
+1$$

I thought this would break down
nice from the quadratic but it didn't.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
First, apply a double-angle identity for cosine:

$$\cos(4x)=1-2\sin^2(2x)$$

Next, apply the double-angle identity for sine:

$$\cos(4x)=1-2\left(2\sin(x)\cos(x)\right)^2=1-8\sin^2(x)\cos^2(x)$$

Can you proceed? :D
 
$$1-8\sin^4\left({x}\right)+8\sin^2\left({x}\right)$$
=1-8 (\sin^2\left({x}\right)(\sin^2\left({x}\right)-1))$$
 
Last edited:
karush said:
$$1-8\sin^2\left({x}\right)
\cos^2\left({x}\right)
=1-8 (\sin^2\left({x}\right)(\sin^2\left({x}\right)-1))$$

Not quite:

$$\sin^2(x)+\cos^2(x)=1\implies\cos^2(x)=1-\sin^2(x)$$
 
$$1-8\left[\sin^2\left({x}\right)\left(1-\sin^2\left({x}\right)\right)\right]$$
$$1-8\sin^2\left({x}\right)+8\sin^4\left({x}\right)$$
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
3K