Using the addition formula for sin(x+y), find sin(3x) in terms of sin(x) and hence show that sin(10) is a root of the equation 8x^3 - 6x + 1

First we state the formula for sin(x+y)

sin(x+y) = sin(x)cos(y) + cos(x)sin(y)

Letting y = 2x

sin(x+2x) = sin(x)cos(2x) + cos(x)sin(2x)

Now sin(2x) = 2sin(x)cos(x) and cos(2x) = 1 - 2sin^2(x), substitute these into the formula gives us

sin(3x) = sin(x)(1-2sin^2(x)) + cos(x)(2sin(x)cos(x))

sin(3x) = sin(x) - 2sin^3(x) + 2sin(x)cos^2(x)

Now cos^2(x) = 1 - sin^2(x)

sin(3x) = sin(x) - 2sin^3(x) + 2sin(x)(1-sin^2(x))

sin(3x) = sin(x) - 2sin^3(x) + 2sin(x) - 2sin^3(x)

sin(3x) = 3sin(x) - 4sin^3(x)

Now letting x = 10, we get

sin(30) = 3sin(10) - 4sin^3(10)

Rearranging and evaluation sin(30) = 1/2

8sin^3(10) - 6sin(10) + 1 = 0

Hence sin(10) is a root of the cubic equation

Answered by Kyle R. Maths tutor

20046 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Use the chain rule to show that, if y = sec(x), then dy/dx = sec(x)tan(x).


if f is defined on with f(x)=x^2-2x-24(x)^0.5 for x>=0 a) find 1st derivative of f, b) find second derivative of f, c) Verify that function f has a stationary point when x = 4 (c) Determine the type stationary point.


Find the exact gradient of the curve y=ln(1-cos2x) at the point with x-coordinate π/6


Can you prove to me why cos^2(X) + sin^2(X) = 1?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy