If $x$ and $y$ are acute angles, such that $\cos x+\cos y = \frac32$ and $\sin x+\sin y= \frac34$, then evaluate $\sin(x+y)$.

trigonometry

This question looks easy but I don't know why I can't get the answer.

If $x$ and $y$ are acute angles, such that
$$\cos x + \cos y = \frac{3}{2} \qquad\text{and}\qquad \sin x + \sin y = \frac{3}{4}$$
then evaluate $\sin(x+y)$.

I think this question should be solved by using basic transformation formulas.

Best Answer

Use sum to product formulas for sine and cosine functions stated as follows: $$\cos x+\cos y=2\cos\biggl(\dfrac{x+y}{2}\biggr)\sin \biggl(\dfrac{x-y}{2}\biggr) \tag1 $$ $$ \sin x+\sin y=2\sin \biggl(\dfrac{x+y}{2}\biggr)\cos\biggl(\dfrac{x-y}{2}\biggr) \tag2$$Notice that dividing $(2)$ by $(1)$ gets us rid of the expression of $\cos\bigl(\frac{x-y}{2}\bigr)$ and gives us the equation only in terms of $\tan\bigl(\frac{x+y}{2}\bigr)$.$$\dfrac{\sin x+\sin y}{\cos x+\cos y}=\frac{1}{2}=\tan\biggl(\dfrac{x+y}{2}\biggr)\implies \dfrac{1}{4}=\tan^2\biggl(\dfrac{x+y}{2}\biggr)$$Now using the half-angle formula for tangent gives us the expression in terms of $\cos(x+y)$.$$\dfrac{1}{4}=\dfrac{1-\cos(x+y)}{1+\cos(x+y)}\implies \dfrac{3}{5}=\cos(x+y)$$Now finding $\sin(x+y)$ is simply a matter of applying the Pythagorean identity. In fact doing so gives us $\sin(x+y)=4/5$.

Aliter: As suggested by @lab bhattacharjee, a quicker and better way would be to use the direct relation between $\sin 2\theta$ and $\tan\theta$. This makes sense because we're supposed to find $\sin (x+y)$ from $\tan\bigl(\frac{x+y}{2}\bigr)$ which we've extracted from the information provided. Also, in my opinion this is a better approach because it allows us to skip the step having to do with applying the Pythagorean identity. Also, I believe this is the thought process one should go through while attempting such questions because it minimizes the time taken to solve, which is key in exam situations and otherwise as well. $$\sin(x+y)=\dfrac{2\tan\bigl(\frac{x+y}{2}\bigr)}{1+\tan^2\bigl(\frac{x+y}{2}\bigr)}=\dfrac{1}{1+\frac{1}{4}}=\dfrac{4}{5}$$