What steps would you follow to derive the double-angle identity for \( \tan(2x) \) from the definitions of sine and cosine?
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To derive the double-angle identity for \( \tan(2x) \), start by applying the angle addition formulas for sine and cosine. You have \( \tan(2x) = \frac{\sin(2x)}{\cos(2x)} \). Using the formulas, \( \sin(2x) = 2\sin(x)\cos(x) \) and \( \cos(2x) = \cos^2(x) - \sin^2(x) \), substitute these into the tangent expression to get: \[ \tan(2x) = \frac{2\sin(x)\cos(x)}{\cos^2(x) - \sin^2(x)}. \] Now, with a little algebra, rewrite the denominator as \( \cos^2(x) - \sin^2(x) = \frac{1 - \tan^2(x)}{1 + \tan^2(x)} \) if needed, leading to the final form \( \tan(2x) = \frac{2\tan(x)}{1 - \tan^2(x)} \). It's both a neat and lively journey through trigonometric identities! Fun fact: This identity can spice up your math life in calculus, helping to simplify expressions when working with integrals or derivatives of trigonometric functions! So, next time you’re faced with a tricky calculus problem, remember, the double-angle identities might just be your new best friend!