Find an expression in terms of powers of cos(x) for cos(5x)

De Moivre's theorem states that eix= cos(x) + isin(x) or that ei5x= cos(5x)+ isin(5x). If the real components of both sides of this equation is taken we can see that : cos(5x) = Re[ei5x ] where Re means take the real component of
Also ei5x= eix*5 =(cos(x) + isin(x))5 using laws of index multiplication.
Therefore cos(5x) = Re[(cos(x) + isin(x))5 ]For easy of writing let us use notation c= cos(x) and s= sin(x). We can thus write cos(5x) =Re[(c+is)5]
Expanding the bracket using binomial theorem cos(5x) = c5-10c3s2+5cs4
Pythagoras's identity states sin2x + cos2x =1Rearranging we can write s2=1-c2
Substituting this expression for s2 we get cos(5x) = c5-10c3(1-c2)+5c(1-c2)2Expanding the brackets and gathering like powers of cos xwe get cos(5x)= 16c5-20c3+5cChanging back notation we can writecos(5x)= 16cos5(x)-20cos3(x)+5cos(x)

AA
Answered by Arnav A. Maths tutor

7419 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

The mass of a substance is increasing exponentially. Initially its mass is 37.5g, 5 months later its mass is 52g. What is its mass 9 months after the initial value to 2 d.p?


Find the integral of the function y = ln(x)


Find the turning point(s) of the following function f(x) = x^2-2x+4. Determine whether the turning point is a minimum or maximum.


y = 4x/(x^2+5). a) Find dy/dx, writing your answer as a single fraction in its simplest form. b) Hence find the set of values of x for which dy/dx < 0


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning