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The question is find the general solution of this equation:$\sin(7\phi)+\cos(3\phi)=0$

I tried to use the "Sum-to-Product" formula, but found it only suitable for $\sin(a)\pm \sin(b)$ or $\cos(a)\pm \cos(b)$. So I tried to expand $\sin 7\phi$ and $\cos 3\phi$, but the equation became much more complicated..

I'm self studying BUT There's nothing about how to solve this type of equations on my textbook..

reeeaaaaally confused now..

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    Fortunately, we know how to rewrite a cosine as a sine of a different angle....2012-06-24

2 Answers 2

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Hint: Use sum to product! $\sin 7\phi+\sin \left(\frac{\pi}{2}-3\phi \right)=0$

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A very basic fact that most students seem to consider like a magician's trick is that $\sin \alpha = \cos \left( \frac{\pi}{2} - \alpha \right).$ By this elementary identity, we can easily solve equations like $\sin \alpha = \cos \beta.$

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    @Vic.: This answer saved you. :-)2012-06-24