Exploring Uses of the sin(x) Formula

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In summary, this formula states that for any natural number n, the sine of x can be written as 2^n times the sine of x divided by 2^n, multiplied by the product of cosines of x divided by 2^k for k from 0 to n. This formula can also be applied for n = 0, where the empty product is defined to be 1. It can be used to simplify a product of cosines with arguments decaying exponentially at a rate of 2.
  • #1
hedlund
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Starting with:

sin(x) = 2sin(x/2)cos(x/2)
sin(x/2) = 2sin(x/4)cos(x/4)
sin(x/4) = 2sin(x/8)cos(x/8) ...

So we can arrive at this
[tex] \sin{x} = 2^n \cdot \sin{\left(\frac{x}{2^n}\right)} \prod_{k=1}^{n} \cos{\left(\frac{x}{2^k}\right)} [/tex]

Valid for [tex] n \in \mathbb{N} \backslash \{ 0 \} [/tex]

Can you use this formula for anything?
 
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  • #2
Works for n = 0 too. (The empty product is usually defined to be 1)

I've seen it used, I think, the other way around -- to convert a product of cosines into something simpler.
 
  • #3
Let's check his formula.
[tex] \sin x=2\sin(\frac{x}{2})\cos(\frac{x}{2}) [/tex]
[tex] \sin(\frac{x}{2})=2\sin(\frac{x}{2^{2}})\cos(\frac{x}{2^{2}}) [/tex]
[tex] \sin(\frac {x}{2^{2}})=2\sin(\frac{x}{2^{3}})\cos(\frac{x}{2^{3}}) [/tex]
...
[tex] \sin(\frac{x}{2^{n-1}})=2\sin(\frac{x}{2^{n}})\cos(\frac{x}{2^{n}}) [/tex]

This is a set of "n" equalities.Multiply all relations,simplify through identical terms and everything comes out to be
[tex] \sin x= 2^{n}\sin(\frac{x}{2^{n}})\prod_{k=0}^{n}\cos(\frac{x}{2^{k}}) [/tex]

Just checkin'... :-p Never seen it in my life...

Daniel.

PS.Pretty useful iff u get from somewhere a product of cosine's with argumeents decaying exponentially at a rate of '2'.
 

FAQ: Exploring Uses of the sin(x) Formula

What is the sin(x) formula and how is it used?

The sin(x) formula, also known as the sine formula, is a mathematical expression used to calculate the sine of an angle in a right triangle. It is often used in trigonometry and geometry to solve problems involving angles and sides of a triangle.

Can the sin(x) formula be used for angles other than right angles?

Yes, the sin(x) formula can be used for any angle, not just right angles. It is a general formula that can be applied to any triangle, as long as you know the length of at least one side and the measure of one angle.

What are some real-life applications of the sin(x) formula?

The sin(x) formula has many real-life applications, including calculating the height of a building or mountain using trigonometric concepts, determining the angle at which a ladder should be placed against a wall for stability, and predicting the motion of a pendulum.

Can the sin(x) formula be used to solve non-triangle problems?

No, the sin(x) formula is specifically designed for right triangles. It cannot be used to solve problems involving other shapes or objects.

Are there any limitations to the sin(x) formula?

Yes, the sin(x) formula has limitations. It can only be used to solve problems involving right triangles, and it assumes that the triangle is in a two-dimensional plane. It also does not take into account factors such as air resistance or friction.

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