Why Focus Only on the Positive Root in Cosine Triple Angle Formula?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on deriving an algebraic expression for cos((1/3)arccos(x)) without using trigonometric functions. Participants explore the cubic equation x = 4y^3 - 3y, where y = cos(x/3), and suggest methods for solving it, including using Maple 10 for computation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of focusing on the positive root and utilizing exponential forms to simplify the expression. Ultimately, the problem is deemed solvable through algebraic manipulation and substitution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically cos(arccos(x)) = x.
  • Familiarity with cubic equations and their solutions.
  • Knowledge of complex numbers and their applications in trigonometry.
  • Experience with symbolic computation tools like Maple 10.
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to solve cubic equations explicitly, focusing on the form ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d = 0.
  • Study the use of exponential forms in trigonometric identities, particularly for cos(x).
  • Explore the implications of complex numbers in trigonometric functions and their algebraic representations.
  • Investigate the methods for deriving algebraic expressions from inverse trigonometric functions.
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Mathematicians, students studying algebra and trigonometry, and anyone interested in solving complex trigonometric equations without relying on numerical methods.

  • #31
Zetison, this thread has been running for many months. Perhaps you should give a shot at what was suggested in post #26. Just make an appropriate substitution, z=e^{i x} and solve for z.
 
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  • #32
Well, I can make a new thread where you have to get rid of the i-s...

This is not any schoolwork so I have all the time in the world :smile:

I have tried what's in post #26 with no result

How do you get an expression for x, when you got both eix and e-ix? And even if I get an expression for arccos without i-s, I still have to get rid of cos...
 
  • #33
You will see it once you get there. Show your work and I will give you a hint to get past the point where you are stuck. Use the hint in post #31.
 
  • #34
2y=eix+e-ix
z=eix
2y=z+z-1
2yz=z2+1
z2-2yz+1=0
z=(y+(y2-1)0,5) or z=(y-(y2-1)0,5)
eix=(y+(y2-1)0,5) or eix=(y-(y2-1)0,5)

ix=ln(y+(y2-1)0,5) or ix=ln(y-(y2-1)0,5)

x=i-1ln(y+(y2-1)0,5) or x=i-1ln(y-(y2-1)0,5)
 
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  • #35
See you can do it! Take the solution with the positive root and plug it into the exponential form of your original equation.
 
  • #36
Yes, and this is what I get. I guess that's the far as I am going to get:
cos(\frac{1}{3}arccos(x)) = \frac{(x + \sqrt{x^2-1})^{1/3}}{2} + \frac 1 {2(x+\sqrt{x^2-1})^{1/3}}

But again, my x is defined as

x = \frac{473419}{6121\sqrt{6121}}

approximate x = 0.9885806704.

So my final goal here is to get exact values for

z = \frac{79}{60} + \frac{1}{30} \sqrt{6121} cos(\frac{1}{3}arccos(x)) = \frac{79}{60} + \frac{1}{30} \sqrt{6121} \frac{(x + \sqrt{x^2-1})^{1/3}}{2} + \frac 1 {2(x+\sqrt{x^2-1})^{1/3}}

But that is very difficult to express when
x = \frac{473419}{6121\sqrt{6121}}.

Is it possible?
 
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  • #37
The problem of this thread is actually solved. Maybe I shall make a new thread about my main goal...
 
  • #38
Cyosis said:
See you can do it! Take the solution with the positive root and plug it into the exponential form of your original equation.

Why are we not interested in the negative root?
 

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