MHB What is the quadratic trig identity for cosine when simplified?

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The discussion centers on simplifying the quadratic trigonometric identity for cosine, specifically for the expression cos(4x). The initial transformation using double-angle identities leads to the equation cos(4x) = 1 - 8sin^4(x) + 8sin^2(x). Participants explore the relationships between sine and cosine, applying identities to manipulate the equation. The final form presented is cos(4x) = 8sin^4(x) - 8sin^2(x) + 1, showcasing the complexity of the simplification process. The conversation highlights the challenges in breaking down the identity effectively.
karush
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$$\cos\left({4x}\right)
=8\sin^4\left({x}\right)
-8\sin^2\left({x}\right)
+1$$

I thought this would break down
nice from the quadratic but it didn't.
 
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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:

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

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