Question
Question: Verify the identity \[\cos 3t = {\cos ^3}t - 3{\sin ^2}t.\cos t\]....
Verify the identity cos3t=cos3t−3sin2t.cost.
Solution
Given identity is related to trigonometric function only. We have to verify whether it is an identity or not. For that we will use some formulas from the trigonometry itself. We will start from LHS and will try to conclude it to RHS.
Complete step by step answer:
Given the identity to be verified is cos3t=cos3t−3sin2t.cost
Now we will start with LHS,
cos3t=cos(t+2t)
We can express the angle in the bracket as the above form. Now as we know that,
cos(x+y)=cosx.cosy−sinx.siny
We will use this formula, cos3t=cost.cos2t−sint.sin2t
Now we will rearrange the double angles of sin and cos,
=cost(cos2t−sin2t)−sint(2sint.cost)
As, sin2t=2sint.cost and cos2t=cos2t−sin2t
On multiplying we get,
=cos3t−cost.sin2t−2sin2t.cost
=cos3t−3sin2t.cost
This is nothing but the RHS
=RHS
Hence proved.
Note:
Note that, we are about to verify whether it is an identity or not. So we used to prove LHS is equal to RHS. Sometimes we are asked to prove a certain identity. generally all the trigonometric identities are proved with the help of a right angle triangle. Note that, cos3t is a triple angle and cos3t is a cubic function.