Proving Trig Equation: cosx + cos3x +cos5x = sin6x/2sinx

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In summary, the speaker is asking for help with proving a trigonometric equation and mentions familiarity with trigonometric identities and complex numbers. They suggest using the identity (sin(x+x)) and simplifying to prove the equation.
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es801
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I am having trouble proving the following trigonometric equation:
cosx + cos3x +cos5x = sin6x/2sinx

Any help would be appreciated
 
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  • #2
You'll need to show us your attempt before we can help you. I assume that you are familiar with the trigonometric identities (particularly, the sum/difference & multiple-angle identities).
 
  • #3
Are you familiar with complex numbers and Euler's formula?

ehild
 
  • #4
ehild said:
Are you familiar with complex numbers and Euler's formula?

ehild

They don't teach those in general trigonometry. Though that would work (as it usually does).

Since this is in terms of x, I would try to use the identity (sin(x+x))= ... to get the whole thing in terms of single variables. For example sin(5x) is really sin(4x+x) which can expand, and then sin(3x+1) expands out and so on. Then it should be easy to simplify.
 
  • #5
Try to write both sides in terms of cos(3x) and cos(x), using the addition rules. (x=3x-2x, 5x=3x+2x, 6x=2*(3x) ).

ehild
 

FAQ: Proving Trig Equation: cosx + cos3x +cos5x = sin6x/2sinx

How do you prove the trigonometric equation cosx + cos3x +cos5x = sin6x/2sinx?

To prove this equation, you can use the trigonometric identity cos(a+b) = cosacosb - sinasinb and the double angle formula cos2x = 1 - 2sin²x to simplify the left side of the equation. Then, you can use the trigonometric identity sin(a+b) = sinacosb + cosasinb to simplify the right side of the equation. Finally, equating the simplified left and right sides will prove the given equation.

What are the steps to solving the equation cosx + cos3x +cos5x = sin6x/2sinx?

The first step is to use the trigonometric identity cos(a+b) = cosacosb - sinasinb and the double angle formula cos2x = 1 - 2sin²x to simplify the left side of the equation. Then, use the trigonometric identity sin(a+b) = sinacosb + cosasinb to simplify the right side of the equation. Finally, equate the simplified left and right sides and solve for x.

Can you use other trigonometric identities to prove this equation?

Yes, there are multiple trigonometric identities that can be used to prove this equation. For example, you can also use the identity sin2x = 2sinxcosx and the half angle formula cos²x = (1+cos2x)/2 to simplify the equation.

Are there any restrictions on the values of x in order for this equation to hold true?

Yes, there are restrictions on the values of x. Since the equation contains the term 2sinx in the denominator, x cannot be equal to any odd multiple of π, as this would result in a division by 0. Additionally, x cannot equal any multiple of π/2, as this would result in a division by 0 on the left side of the equation.

Is there a geometric interpretation of this equation?

Yes, this equation can be represented geometrically by the sum of cosines formula, which states that cos(a+b) = cosacosb - sinasinb. This formula represents the cosine of the sum of two angles in terms of the cosine and sine of the individual angles. By using this formula repeatedly, you can prove the given equation and show the relationship between the cosine and sine of multiple angles.

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