MHB How Can the Sum of Sines Be Expressed Using a Trigonometric Identity?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on expressing the sum of sines, specifically showing that the sum from 0 to n of sin k equals the formula sin(n/2)sin((n+1)/2)/sin(1/2). Participants acknowledge the elegance of this telescopic sum and commend the explanation provided. The interaction highlights the appreciation for mathematical skills and the collaborative nature of problem-solving in trigonometry. Overall, the thread emphasizes the beauty of trigonometric identities in simplifying complex sums.
anemone
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Show that $\displaystyle \sum_{k=0}^n \sin k=\dfrac{\sin \dfrac{n}{2} \sin\dfrac{n+1}{2}}{\sin \dfrac{1}{2}}$.
 
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anemone said:
Show that $\displaystyle \sum_{k=0}^n \sin k=\dfrac{\sin \dfrac{n}{2} \sin\dfrac{n+1}{2}}{\sin \dfrac{1}{2}}$.

This is telescopic sum
We have $2 \sin k\, sin \dfrac{1}{2} = \cos (k- \dfrac{1}{2}) – \cos (k+ \dfrac{1}{2})$

Adding it from $\displaystyle \sum_{k=0}^n \sin k \sin \dfrac{1}{2}$
= $\cos(-\dfrac{1}{2}) – \cos(n+ \dfrac{1}{2})$
= $\cos(\dfrac{1}{2}) – \cos(n+ \dfrac{1}{2})$
= $2 sin \dfrac{n}{2} sin \dfrac{n+1}{2}$
By deviding both sides by $2\sin \dfrac{1}{2}$ we get the result
 
That's a neat skill, kali! Well done!:cool:
 
anemone said:
That's a neat skill, kali! Well done!:cool:

Thanks anemone. It was so nice of you.
 
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