The Double Angle Formula for Sine
The double angle formula for sine states that sin(2θ) = 2 · sin(θ) · cos(θ). This identity allows you to compute the sine of twice an angle using only the sine and cosine of the original angle, without needing to know the doubled angle directly.
All Double Angle Formulas
sin(2θ)
Double angle formula for sine.
sin(2θ) = 2 sin(θ) cos(θ)
cos(2θ)
Double angle formula for cosine (three equivalent forms).
cos(2θ) = cos²(θ) - sin²(θ)
tan(2θ)
Double angle formula for tangent.
tan(2θ) = 2tan(θ) / (1 - tan²(θ))
Derivation
The double angle formula can be derived from the angle addition formula: sin(A + B) = sin(A)cos(B) + cos(A)sin(B). Setting A = B = θ:
sin(θ + θ) = sin(θ)cos(θ) + cos(θ)sin(θ) = 2sin(θ)cos(θ)
Applications
- Simplifying trigonometric expressions in calculus.
- Solving trigonometric equations.
- Signal processing and Fourier analysis.
- Physics: projectile motion (range formula uses sin(2θ)).
- Computing areas and arc lengths in geometry.