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Triple Angle Formulas

Triple Angle Formulas

Edited By Komal Miglani | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 07:36 PM IST

The Triple angle formula is used to convert the trigonometric ratios of triple angles into the trigonometric ratios of single angles. The Triple angle formula can be derived using the Trigonometric ratios formula of compound angles( Putting A=B). The triple angle formula is used to solve complex trigonometric identities and convert them to single angles.

This Story also Contains
  1. Triple Angle
  2. Triple Angle Formulas
  3. Proof of Triple-angle formulas

In this article, we will cover the concept of the Triple Angle Formula. This category falls under the broader category of Trigonometry, which is a crucial Chapter in class 11 Mathematics. It is not only essential for board exams but also for competitive exams like the Joint Entrance Examination(JEE Main) and other entrance exams such as SRMJEE, BITSAT, WBJEE, BCECE, and more.

Triple Angle

The Triple angle formula is used to transform the trigonometric ratios of triple angles into the trigonometric ratios of single angles.

Triple Angle Formulas

The Triple angle formula is used to transform the trigonometric ratios of triple angles into the trigonometric ratios of single angles. The Triple angle formulas can be derived from the sum formulas and double angle formulas. We have triple-angle formulas of sin, cos, and tan functions. The triple angle formula is:

1. $\sin 3 \mathrm{~A}=3 \sin \mathrm{A}-4 \sin ^3 \mathrm{~A}$
2. $\cos 3 \mathrm{~A}=4 \cos ^3 \mathrm{~A}-3 \cos A$
3. $\tan 3 \mathrm{~A}=\frac{3 \tan \mathrm{A}-\tan ^3 \mathrm{~A}}{1-3 \tan ^2 \mathrm{~A}}$

What are triple angle formulas?

The Triple angle formula is used to transform the trigonometric ratios of triple angles into the trigonometric ratios of single angles.
1) $\sin 3 A=3 \sin A-4 \sin ^3 A$

This formula is used to convert the triple angle of sine into the expression of a single angle of sine functions.
2) $\cos 3 A=4 \cos ^3 A-3 \cos A$

This formula is used to convert the triple angle of cosine into the expression of a single angle of cosine functions.
3. $\tan 3 \mathrm{~A}=\frac{3 \tan \mathrm{A}-\tan ^3 \mathrm{~A}}{1-3 \tan ^2 \mathrm{~A}}$

This formula is used to convert the triple angle of tangent into the expression of a single angle of tangent functions.

Proof of Triple-angle formulas

These formulas can be derived from the addition formulas and double angle formulas. For example, 3A can be written as (2A + A), and then apply addition formula and double angle formulas to get the results.
$
\begin{aligned}
1 \cdot \sin 3 A & =\sin (2 A+A)=\sin 2 A \cos A+\cos 2 A \sin A \\
& =2 \sin A \cos A \cdot \cos A+\left(1-2 \sin ^2 A\right) \sin A \\
& =2 \sin A \cos ^2 A+\sin A-2 \sin ^3 A \\
& =2 \sin A\left(1-\sin ^2 A\right)+\sin A-2 \sin ^3 A \\
& =2 \sin A-2 \sin ^3 A+\sin A-2 \sin ^3 A \\
& =3 \sin A-4 \sin ^3 A
\end{aligned}
$

2. $\cos 3 A=\cos (2 A+A)=\cos 2 A \cdot A \cos A-\sin 2 A \sin A$

$
\begin{aligned}
& =\left(2 \cos ^2 A-1\right) \cos A-2 \sin A \cos A \cdot \sin A \\
& =2 \cos ^3 A-\cos A-2 \cos A\left(1-\cos ^2 A\right) \\
& =2 \cos ^3 A-\cos A-2 \cos A+2 \cos ^3 A \\
& =4 \cos ^3 A-3 \cos A
\end{aligned}
$

3. $\tan 3 A=\frac{\sin 3 A}{\cos 3 A}=\frac{3 \sin A-4 \sin ^3 A}{4 \cos ^3 A-3 \cos A}$

$
=\frac{\sin \mathrm{A}\left(3-4 \sin ^2 \mathrm{~A}\right)}{\cos \mathrm{A}\left(4 \cos ^2 \mathrm{~A}-3\right)}=\frac{\tan \mathrm{A}\left(3-4 \sin ^2 \mathrm{~A}\right)}{4 \cos ^2 \mathrm{~A}-3}
$


On dividing the numerator and denominator by $\cos ^2 A$,

$
\begin{aligned}
= & \frac{\tan \mathrm{A}\left(3 \sec ^2 \mathrm{~A}-4 \tan ^2 \mathrm{~A}\right)}{4-3 \sec ^2 \mathrm{~A}} \\
= & \frac{\tan \mathrm{A}\left(3+3 \tan ^2 \mathrm{~A}-4 \tan ^2 \mathrm{~A}\right)}{4-3-3 \tan ^2 \mathrm{~A}} \\
& \tan \mathrm{A}\left(3-\tan ^2 \mathrm{~A}\right) 3 \tan \mathrm{A}-\tan ^3 \mathrm{~A}
\end{aligned}
$

Recommended Video Based on Triple Angle Formula:

Solved Example Based on Triple Angle Formula

Example 1: If $\sin ^2\left(10^{\circ}\right) \sin \left(20^{\circ}\right) \sin \left(40^{\circ}\right) \sin \left(50^{\circ}\right) \sin \left(70^{\circ}\right)=\alpha-\frac{1}{16} \sin \left(10^{\circ}\right)$, then $16+\alpha^{-1}$ is equal to $\qquad$
[JEE MAINS 2022]

$
\begin{aligned}
& \text { Solution } \\
& \begin{array}{l}
\sin 10^{\circ}\left(\frac{1}{2} \cdot 2 \sin 20^{\circ} \cdot \sin 40^{\circ}\right) \cdot \sin 10^{\circ} \cdot \sin \left(60^{\circ}-10^{\circ}\right) \cdot \sin \left(60^{\circ}+10^{\circ}\right) \\
\sin 10^{\circ} \cdot \frac{1}{2} \cdot\left(\cos 20^{\circ}-\cos 60^{\circ}\right) \cdot \frac{1}{4} \sin 30^{\circ} \\
\frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{1}{4} \cdot \frac{1}{2} \sin 10^{\circ}\left(\cos 20^{\circ}-\frac{1}{2}\right) \\
=\frac{1}{32}\left(2 \sin 10^{\circ} \cdot \cos 20^{\circ}-\sin 10^{\circ}\right) \\
=\frac{1}{32}\left(\sin 30^{\circ}-\sin 10^{\circ}-\sin 10^{\circ}\right) \\
=\frac{1}{32}\left(\frac{1}{2}-2 \sin 10^{\circ}\right) \\
=\frac{1}{64}\left(1-4 \sin 10^{\circ}\right) \\
=\frac{1}{64}-\frac{1}{16} \sin 10^{\circ}
\end{array}
\end{aligned}
$

Hence $\alpha=\frac{1}{64}$

$
16+\alpha^{-1}=80
$

Hence, the answer is 80 .
Example 2: $16 \sin \left(20^{\circ}\right) \sin \left(40^{\circ}\right) \sin \left(80^{\circ}\right)$ is equal to.
[JEE MAINS 2022]
Solution

$
\begin{gathered}
16 \sin 20^{\circ} \sin 40^{\circ} \sin 80^{\circ} \\
16 \frac{\sin 60^{\circ}}{4}=4\left(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right)=2 \sqrt{3}
\end{gathered}
$

Hence, the answer is $2 \sqrt{3}$
Example 3: If the lengths of the sides of a triangle are in A.P. and the greatest angle is double the smallest, then a ratio of lengths of the sides of this triangle is :
Solution: Let $a<b<c$ be sides of $\triangle l e$
$\theta$ is the smallest angle
Three angles are, $\theta, \pi-3 \theta, 2 \theta$.
Given, $2 b=a+c$
Use the sine rule.

Hence, the answer is 4:5:6
Example 4: If $\sin A=\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}$ and $\sin \left(60^{\circ}+A\right)=\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}$, then find $\sin 3 A$
Solution: Results of Triple Angle Formula-

$
\sin 3 A=4 \sin \left(60^{\circ}-A\right) \cdot \sin A \cdot \sin \left(60^{\circ}+A\right)
$

$
\begin{aligned}
& 2 \sin (B)=\sin (A)+\sin (C) \\
& 2 \sin (3 \theta)=\sin (\theta)+\sin (2 \theta) \\
& 2\left(3 \sin \theta-4 \sin ^3 \theta\right)=\sin \theta(1+2 \cos \theta) \\
& 6-8\left(1-\cos ^2 \theta\right)=1+2 \cos \theta \\
& \cos \theta=\frac{3}{4},-\frac{1}{2}\left(-\frac{1}{2} \text { is rejected }\right) \\
& : a: b: c=\sin A: \sin B: \sin C \\
& =\sin \theta: \sin 3 \theta: \sin 2 \theta \\
& =1: 3-4 \sin ^2 \theta: 2 \cos \theta=1: 4 \cos ^2 \theta-1: 2 \cos \theta \\
& =4: 5: 6
\end{aligned}
$

Where $A$ is the angle

$
\begin{aligned}
& \sin 3 A=4 \sin \left(60^{\circ}-A\right) \cdot \sin A \cdot \sin \left(60^{\circ}+A\right) \\
& \text { If } \sin A=\sin \left(60^{\circ}+A\right)=\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \Rightarrow A=60^{\circ}
\end{aligned}
$
Thus $\sin 3 A=0$
Hence, the answer is 0

Example 5: If $\tan \left(60^{\circ}-A\right)=a ; \tan \left(60^{\circ}+A\right)=b$; and $\tan 3 A=c$; then $\tan A=$
Solution: Results of Triple Angle Formula-

$
\tan 3 A=\tan \left(60^{\circ}-A\right) \tan A \tan \left(60^{\circ}+A\right)
$
Where A is the angle.

$
c=a b \tan A \Rightarrow \tan A=\frac{c}{a b}
$
Hence, the answer is $\mathrm{c} / \mathrm{ab}$


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How are triple angle formulas related to double angle formulas?
Triple angle formulas are an extension of double angle formulas. While double angle formulas express trigonometric functions of 2θ in terms of θ, triple angle formulas do the same for 3θ. Both sets of formulas are derived using similar principles, such as the sum and difference formulas for trigonometric functions.
2. How is the triple angle formula for sin(3θ) derived?
The sin(3θ) formula is derived using the sum formula for sine and the double angle formula. First, we express 3θ as θ + 2θ, then apply the sum formula for sine: sin(3θ) = sin(θ + 2θ) = sin(θ)cos(2θ) + cos(θ)sin(2θ). We then substitute the double angle formulas and simplify to get 3sin(θ) - 4sin³(θ).
3. How is the triple angle formula for cos(3θ) derived?
The cos(3θ) formula is derived similarly to sin(3θ), using the sum formula for cosine and the double angle formula. We express 3θ as θ + 2θ, apply the sum formula for cosine: cos(3θ) = cos(θ)cos(2θ) - sin(θ)sin(2θ). Then substitute the double angle formulas and simplify to get 4cos³(θ) - 3cos(θ).
4. How is the triple angle formula for tan(3θ) derived?
The tan(3θ) formula is derived using the quotient identity for tangent and the triple angle formulas for sine and cosine. We start with tan(3θ) = sin(3θ) / cos(3θ), then substitute the triple angle formulas for sin(3θ) and cos(3θ), and simplify to get (3tan(θ) - tan³(θ)) / (1 - 3tan²(θ)).
5. How do triple angle formulas relate to the concept of periodicity in trigonometric functions?
Triple angle formulas demonstrate the periodic nature of trigonometric functions. Since sin(θ), cos(θ), and tan(θ) have a period of 2π, sin(3θ), cos(3θ), and tan(3θ) have a period of 2π/3. This relationship is evident in the formulas and helps us understand how the period of a trigonometric function changes when its angle is multiplied.
6. What role do triple angle formulas play in the study of trigonometric equations with multiple angles?
Triple angle formulas are crucial in solving trigonometric equations involving multiple angles. They allow us to express equations with terms like sin(3θ) or cos(3θ) in terms of sin(θ) or cos(θ), effectively reducing the complexity of the equation. This makes it possible to solve a wider range of trigonometric equations and inequalities.
7. What are triple angle formulas in trigonometry?
Triple angle formulas are trigonometric identities that express the sine, cosine, and tangent of triple angles (3θ) in terms of the sine, cosine, or tangent of a single angle (θ). These formulas are useful for simplifying complex trigonometric expressions and solving equations involving triple angles.
8. What is the triple angle formula for sin(3θ)?
The triple angle formula for sin(3θ) is: sin(3θ) = 3sin(θ) - 4sin³(θ). This formula expresses the sine of triple an angle in terms of the sine of a single angle.
9. What is the triple angle formula for cos(3θ)?
The triple angle formula for cos(3θ) is: cos(3θ) = 4cos³(θ) - 3cos(θ). This formula expresses the cosine of triple an angle in terms of the cosine of a single angle.
10. What is the triple angle formula for tan(3θ)?
The triple angle formula for tan(3θ) is: tan(3θ) = (3tan(θ) - tan³(θ)) / (1 - 3tan²(θ)). This formula expresses the tangent of triple an angle in terms of the tangent of a single angle.
11. Why are triple angle formulas useful in trigonometry?
Triple angle formulas are useful for simplifying complex trigonometric expressions, solving equations involving triple angles, and proving other trigonometric identities. They allow us to express trigonometric functions of 3θ in terms of simpler functions of θ, making calculations and manipulations easier.
12. Can triple angle formulas be used in integration problems involving trigonometric functions?
Yes, triple angle formulas can be very useful in integration problems involving trigonometric functions. They can help simplify integrands containing terms like sin(3θ) or cos(3θ), allowing these to be expressed in terms of simpler functions of θ. This often makes the integration process more straightforward, especially when combined with other trigonometric identities.
13. How do triple angle formulas impact the amplitude of trigonometric functions?
Triple angle formulas do not directly change the amplitude of trigonometric functions, but they do affect how we perceive the amplitude in graphs. While the actual amplitude remains the same, the compression of the function (completing three cycles in the space of one) can make the graph appear to have a different amplitude. Understanding this is crucial in analyzing and interpreting trigonometric graphs involving triple angles.
14. Can triple angle formulas be used in solving differential equations involving trigonometric functions?
Yes, triple angle formulas can be useful in solving certain types of differential equations involving trigonometric functions. For instance, in equations where both θ and 3θ appear, these formulas can help in expressing everything in terms of a single angle, potentially simplifying the equation and making it more amenable to standard solving techniques.
15. Can triple angle formulas be used to find exact values of trigonometric functions?
Yes, triple angle formulas can be used to find exact values of trigonometric functions for certain angles. For example, if we know the exact value of sin(θ) or cos(θ) for a specific angle, we can use the triple angle formulas to find the exact values of sin(3θ) or cos(3θ) for that angle.
16. What is the relationship between triple angle formulas and power reduction formulas?
Triple angle formulas and power reduction formulas are closely related. Power reduction formulas express powers of trigonometric functions (like sin³(θ) or cos³(θ)) in terms of single angle functions. Triple angle formulas can be derived using power reduction formulas, and vice versa. Both sets of formulas help simplify complex trigonometric expressions.
17. How can triple angle formulas be used in solving trigonometric equations?
Triple angle formulas can be used to solve equations involving triple angles by converting them into equations with single angles. For example, an equation like sin(3θ) = 1/2 can be rewritten as 3sin(θ) - 4sin³(θ) = 1/2 using the triple angle formula, which can then be solved for θ.
18. Are there any limitations to using triple angle formulas?
While triple angle formulas are powerful tools, they have limitations. They can make some calculations more complex if not used appropriately. Also, for very small angles, using these formulas might lead to loss of precision due to rounding errors in calculations. It's important to choose the most appropriate method for each specific problem.
19. How do triple angle formulas relate to the concept of harmonic motion in physics?
Triple angle formulas are relevant to harmonic motion, particularly in analyzing complex oscillations. In physics, when a system undergoes harmonic motion with frequency ω, its third harmonic has a frequency of 3ω. The triple angle formulas help describe the behavior of this third harmonic in terms of the fundamental frequency, which is crucial in understanding and modeling complex oscillatory systems.
20. Can triple angle formulas be extended to quadruple or higher multiple angles?
Yes, the concept of triple angle formulas can be extended to quadruple (4θ) and higher multiple angles. However, as the multiple increases, the formulas become increasingly complex. For angles beyond triple, it's often more practical to use the sum and difference formulas repeatedly or to use De Moivre's theorem for expressing multiple angle formulas.
21. How do triple angle formulas relate to the graphs of trigonometric functions?
Triple angle formulas affect the graphs of trigonometric functions by compressing them horizontally. For example, the graph of sin(3θ) completes three full cycles in the same interval where sin(θ) completes one cycle. This compression is directly related to the factor of 3 in the angle, demonstrating how these formulas impact the frequency of trigonometric functions.
22. What is the connection between triple angle formulas and trigonometric series expansions?
Triple angle formulas play a role in trigonometric series expansions, such as Fourier series. In these expansions, functions are represented as infinite sums of sines and cosines of multiples of the angle (including triple angles). Understanding triple angle formulas helps in comprehending and manipulating these series, which are crucial in signal processing and analysis.
23. How can triple angle formulas be remembered or derived quickly?
While memorization is an option, understanding the derivation process is more beneficial. A quick way to derive them is to use the sum formula for θ + 2θ and then apply double angle formulas. For sin(3θ), remember it starts with 3sin(θ) and subtracts 4sin³(θ). For cos(3θ), it starts with 4cos³(θ) and subtracts 3cos(θ). The pattern of coefficients (3 and 4) is consistent in both formulas.
24. Why does the triple angle formula for sine contain only odd powers of sine?
The triple angle formula for sine, sin(3θ) = 3sin(θ) - 4sin³(θ), contains only odd powers of sine due to the odd symmetry of the sine function. Sine is an odd function, meaning -sin(θ) = sin(-θ). This property is preserved in the triple angle formula, ensuring that sin(3θ) remains an odd function.
25. How do triple angle formulas relate to the concept of frequency in signal processing?
In signal processing, triple angle formulas are related to the concept of harmonics. The formula sin(3θ) represents the third harmonic of a fundamental frequency. This is crucial in understanding complex waveforms, as real-world signals often consist of a fundamental frequency and its harmonics. Triple angle formulas help in analyzing and synthesizing these complex signals.
26. Can triple angle formulas be used in reverse to express single angle functions in terms of triple angle functions?
Yes, triple angle formulas can be inverted to express single angle functions in terms of triple angle functions. For example, from cos(3θ) = 4cos³(θ) - 3cos(θ), we can derive cos(θ) in terms of cos(3θ). This inverse use is less common but can be useful in certain specialized problems or in signal analysis.
27. How do triple angle formulas contribute to the study of trigonometric polynomials?
Triple angle formulas are essential in the study of trigonometric polynomials. They allow us to express higher degree trigonometric terms (like sin³(θ) or cos³(θ)) as linear combinations of sines and cosines of multiple angles. This is crucial in simplifying and analyzing trigonometric polynomials, which have applications in various fields including physics and engineering.
28. What is the geometric interpretation of the triple angle formula for sine?
Geometrically, the triple angle formula for sine, sin(3θ) = 3sin(θ) - 4sin³(θ), can be interpreted as describing how the height of a point on a unit circle changes when the angle is tripled. The formula shows that this height is a combination of the original height (sin(θ)) and a cubic term (sin³(θ)), reflecting the more complex path traced when the angle is tripled.
29. How do triple angle formulas relate to the concept of phase in oscillations?
Triple angle formulas are relevant to the concept of phase in oscillations. When we triple the angle in a trigonometric function, we're effectively changing its phase. For instance, sin(3θ) completes a full cycle three times faster than sin(θ). This relationship is important in understanding phase relationships in complex oscillatory systems, such as in electrical engineering and wave physics.
30. How do triple angle formulas relate to the concept of symmetry in trigonometric functions?
Triple angle formulas preserve the fundamental symmetries of trigonometric functions. For example, cos(3θ) maintains the even symmetry of cosine, while sin(3θ) maintains the odd symmetry of sine. This preservation of symmetry is crucial in understanding how these formulas behave over different quadrants and in solving equations involving triple angles.
31. How can triple angle formulas be used in proving other trigonometric identities?
Triple angle formulas are powerful tools in proving other trigonometric identities. They can be used to expand or simplify complex trigonometric expressions involving triple angles. By applying these formulas, we can often reduce complicated identities to simpler forms that are easier to verify or manipulate further.
32. What is the connection between triple angle formulas and the roots of unity in complex numbers?
Triple angle formulas are closely related to the cube roots of unity in complex number theory. The solutions to the equation z³ = 1 in the complex plane are related to the angles 0, 2π/3, and 4π/3. The trigonometric forms of these roots involve cos(2π/3) and sin(2π/3), which can be expressed using triple angle formulas. This connection highlights the deep relationship between trigonometry and complex number theory.
33. Can triple angle formulas be used in solving systems of trigonometric equations?
Yes, triple angle formulas can be very useful in solving systems of trigonometric equations, especially when the system involves both single and triple angles. By using these formulas to express all terms in terms of a single angle, we can often simplify the system and solve it using standard algebraic techniques or trigonometric identities.
34. How do triple angle formulas relate to the concept of trigonometric substitution in calculus?
Triple angle formulas can be useful in trigonometric substitution problems in calculus, particularly when dealing with integrals involving cubic terms. For instance, an integral containing (1 - x²)³/² might be solved using a trigonometric substitution of x = sin(θ), where the resulting integral could involve sin³(θ). The triple angle formula for sine can then be applied to simplify this further.
35. What is the significance of the coefficients in the triple angle formulas?
The coefficients in triple angle formulas (like 3 and 4 in sin(3θ) = 3sin(θ) - 4sin³(θ)) are not arbitrary. They result from the algebraic process of deriving these formulas and reflect the fundamental relationships between trigonometric functions. Understanding these coefficients helps in remembering the formulas and in appreciating the mathematical structure behind them.
36. How can triple angle formulas be applied in computer graphics and animation?
In computer graphics and animation, triple angle formulas can be used to create complex, periodic motions. For example, they can be applied to generate more intricate circular or wave-like movements by combining basic trigonometric functions with their triple angle counterparts. This allows for more diverse and realistic animations, especially in simulating natural phenomena or creating artistic effects.
37. What is the relationship between triple angle formulas and trigonometric regression models?
Triple angle formulas play a role in trigonometric regression models, which are used to fit periodic data. When a dataset shows a pattern that repeats every third of a cycle, incorporating terms with triple angles (using these formulas) can significantly improve the model's fit. This application is common in fields like climatology, where phenomena might have multiple underlying periodicities.
38. How do triple angle formulas contribute to the understanding of wave superposition?
Triple angle formulas are valuable in understanding wave superposition, particularly when dealing with harmonics. In wave theory, the superposition of a fundamental wave with its third harmonic (represented by triple angle functions) creates complex waveforms. These formulas help in decomposing or synthesizing such complex waves, which is crucial in fields like acoustics and electromagnetic theory.
39. How do triple angle formulas relate to the concept of frequency modulation in signal processing?
Triple angle formulas are relevant to frequency modulation in signal processing. In FM, the frequency of a carrier wave is varied according to a modulating signal. When the modulating signal includes components at triple the fundamental frequency (represented by triple angle terms), these formulas help in analyzing and describing the resulting complex waveform.

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