Proving \cos\frac{2\pi}{7}+\cos\frac{4\pi}{7}+\cos\frac{6\pi}{7}=-\frac{1}{2} Prove the identity 8\cos^4 \theta -4\cos^3 \theta-8\cos^2 \theta+3\cos \theta +1=\cos4\theta-\cos3\theta If

Turnseeuw

Turnseeuw

Answered question

2022-01-28

Proving cos2π7+cos4π7+cos6π7=12
Prove the identity
8cos4θ4cos3θ8cos2θ+3cosθ+1=cos4θcos3θ
If 7θ is a multiple of 2π, Show that cos4θ=cos3θ and deduce,
cos2π7+cos4π7+cos6π7=12

Answer & Explanation

Amari Larsen

Amari Larsen

Beginner2022-01-29Added 10 answers

cos0π7,cos2π7,cos4π7,cos6π7 are distinct roots of the fourth order polynomial
P(x)=8x44x38x2+3x+1
So P(x) can be re-written
P(x)=8(xcos0π7)(xcos2π7)(xcos4π7)(xcos6π7)
Therefore looking at x3 coefficient gives
cos0π7+cos2π7+cos4π7+cos6π7=48=12
Actually, for any n2,
Pn(x)=Tn(x)Tn1(x)=2n1xn2n2xn1+
Where Tn is the nth Chebyshev polynomial.
So
Pn(cos(x))=cos(nx)cos((n1)x)
And Likewise,
k=0n1cos2kπ2n1=12

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