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Proof Using Trigonometry

We want to show it is always possible to solve

(1)Acos(ωt+ϕ)=A1cos(ωt+ϕ1)+A2cos(ωt+ϕ2)++ANcos(ωt+ϕN)

for A and ϕ, given Ai,ϕi for i=1,,N. For each component sinusoid, we can write

Aicos(ωt+ϕi)=Aicos(ωt)cos(ϕi)Aisin(ωt)sin(ϕi)(2)=[Aicos(ϕi)]cos(ωt)[Aisin(ϕi)]sin(ωt)

Applying this expansion to Eq.(A.2) yields

[Acos(ϕ)]cos(ωt)[Asin(ϕ)]sin(ωt)=[i=1NAicos(ϕi)]cos(ωt)[i=1NAisin(ϕi)]sin(ωt).

Equating coefficients gives

Acos(ϕ)=i=1NAicos(ϕi)=Δx(3)Asin(ϕ)=i=1NAisin(ϕi)=Δy,

where x and y are known. We now have two equations in two unknowns which are readily solved by (1) squaring and adding both sides to eliminate ϕ, and (2) forming a ratio of both sides of Eq.(A.4) to eliminate A. This gives

A=±x2+y2ϕ=tan1(yx)

for any values of Ai and ϕi. Since tan1(y/x)=tan1(y/x), we have ϕ[π/2,π/2). To impose A0 and ϕ[π,π), a four-quadrant arctangent(y,x) must be used, normally written atan2(y,x) in computer languages.

Check Your Understanding

Exercise 1 Multiple Choice
In the trigonometric proof, one arrives at the two equations A cos(φ) = x and A sin(φ) = y with x and y known. How is the amplitude A obtained?
A = x + y
A = ±√(x2 + y2), by squaring and adding both equations to eliminate φ
A = x/y, by dividing the equations
A = √(x2 − y2)
Use the identity cos2φ + sin2φ = 1.
One combination of the equations removes φ; the other removes A.
Exercise 2 Multiple Choice
Why must a four-quadrant arctangent (atan2(y,x) in computer languages) be used to recover the phase φ, instead of the ordinary arctangent of y/x?
Because the ordinary arctangent is numerically unstable
Because tan−1(y/x) cannot distinguish (y, x) from (−y, −x), returning φ only in [−π/2, π/2), while atan2 gives φ in [−π, π) with A ≥ 0
Because atan2 also returns the amplitude A
Because the ordinary arctangent works only for positive y
The ratio y/x loses the individual signs of y and x.
A phase in the second or third quadrant cannot come out of a plain arctangent.

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``Introduction to Digital Filters with Audio Applications'', by Julius O. Smith III, (September 2007 Edition)
Copyright © 2026-08-21 by Julius O. Smith III
Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA),   Stanford University
CCRMA

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