SOLUTION: Show that cos^2 (4pi/7) - sin^2 (3pi/7) = cos 6pi/7

Algebra ->  Trigonometry-basics -> SOLUTION: Show that cos^2 (4pi/7) - sin^2 (3pi/7) = cos 6pi/7       Log On


   



Question 1142056: Show that
cos^2 (4pi/7) - sin^2 (3pi/7) = cos 6pi/7

Answer by ikleyn(52887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.
First use the identity


    cos%284pi%2F7%29 = -cos%283pi%2F7%29,


which gives you


    cos%5E2%284pi%2F7%29 = cos%5E2%283pi%2F7%29.


Therefore, the left side of the given hypothetical identity becomes


    cos%5E2+%284pi%2F7%29 - sin%5E2+%283pi%2F7%29 = cos%5E2+%283pi%2F7%29 - sin%5E2+%283pi%2F7%29.    (1)


Next, use the trigonometric identity  


    cos(a)*cos(b) - sin(a)*sin(b) = cos(a+b).


It allows you to continue the line (1) in this way


    cos%5E2+%284pi%2F7%29 - sin%5E2+%283pi%2F7%29 = cos%5E2+%283pi%2F7%29 - sin%5E2+%283pi%2F7%29 = cos%283pi%2F7+%2B+3pi%2F7%29 = cos%286pi%2F7%29.


Thus 


    cos%5E2+%284pi%2F7%29 - sin%5E2+%283pi%2F7%29 = cos%286pi%2F7%29.


It is what has to be proved.