Math Problem Statement

Factor the trigonometric expression sin^3(x) - cos^3(x) and simplify.

Solution

The expression given is:

sin3(x)cos3(x)\sin^3(x) - \cos^3(x)

This is a difference of cubes, which can be factored using the identity:

a3b3=(ab)(a2+ab+b2)a^3 - b^3 = (a - b)(a^2 + ab + b^2)

Here, a=sin(x)a = \sin(x) and b=cos(x)b = \cos(x), so applying the identity, we get:

sin3(x)cos3(x)=(sin(x)cos(x))(sin2(x)+sin(x)cos(x)+cos2(x))\sin^3(x) - \cos^3(x) = (\sin(x) - \cos(x))(\sin^2(x) + \sin(x)\cos(x) + \cos^2(x))

We know that sin2(x)+cos2(x)=1\sin^2(x) + \cos^2(x) = 1, so the expression simplifies further:

sin3(x)cos3(x)=(sin(x)cos(x))(1+sin(x)cos(x))\sin^3(x) - \cos^3(x) = (\sin(x) - \cos(x))(1 + \sin(x)\cos(x))

Thus, the factored and simplified form of the expression is:

(sin(x)cos(x))(1+sin(x)cos(x))(\sin(x) - \cos(x))(1 + \sin(x)\cos(x))

Would you like more details or have any further questions?

Here are 5 related questions to explore:

  1. How do you factor the sum of cubes, a3+b3a^3 + b^3?
  2. What is the geometric interpretation of the sine and cosine functions?
  3. How can you use trigonometric identities to simplify other expressions?
  4. What are some real-world applications of the sine and cosine functions?
  5. How does the Pythagorean identity sin2(x)+cos2(x)=1\sin^2(x) + \cos^2(x) = 1 apply in other trigonometric problems?

Tip: Always look for identities, such as the Pythagorean identity, when simplifying trigonometric expressions!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Factoring
Trigonometric Identities

Formulas

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

Theorems

Difference of cubes identity
Pythagorean identity

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12