What is the quadratic trig identity for cosine when simplified?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the simplification of the quadratic trigonometric identity for cosine, specifically focusing on the expression for \(\cos(4x)\) and its relation to sine functions. Participants explore various identities and transformations in the context of trigonometric simplifications.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the identity \(\cos(4x) = 8\sin^4(x) - 8\sin^2(x) + 1\) but notes that it does not simplify as expected.
  • Another participant suggests applying the double-angle identity for cosine, leading to \(\cos(4x) = 1 - 2\sin^2(2x)\), and then further simplifies it to \(\cos(4x) = 1 - 8\sin^2(x)\cos^2(x)\).
  • A subsequent post attempts to manipulate the expression but introduces confusion regarding the relationship between sine and cosine, specifically referencing \(\sin^2(x) + \cos^2(x) = 1\).
  • Further simplifications are proposed, leading to the expression \(1 - 8\sin^2(x) + 8\sin^4(x)\), which appears to be a reorganization of previous terms.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the simplification process, as there are multiple approaches and some confusion regarding the transformations. The discussion remains unresolved with competing views on how to simplify the identity.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made regarding the identities used, and the transformations may depend on specific definitions or interpretations of trigonometric functions. Some mathematical steps remain unresolved, contributing to the ongoing debate.

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