Maths WorkshopMaths problems with full solutions
Exercise 1574Algebra › Complex numbersOlympiadAdded 3 Nov 2026

Sum of a trigonometric series

#trigonometric series#complex#geometric

Statement

Compute the sum
Sn=∑k=1nsin⁡(kθ)S_n=\sum_{k=1}^n\sin(k\theta)
using complex numbers.

Hint

Use sin⁡(kθ)=Im⁡(eikθ)\sin(k\theta)=\operatorname{Im}(e^{ik\theta}) and the geometric series formula.

Show solutionHide solution

Solution

Complex sum. Let Z=∑k=1neikθ=eiθ1−einθ1−eiθZ=\sum_{k=1}^ne^{ik\theta}=e^{i\theta}\frac{1-e^{in\theta}}{1-e^{i\theta}}.

Imaginary part. Sn=Im⁡(Z)S_n=\operatorname{Im}(Z).

Computation.
Z=eiθ1−einθ1−eiθ=eiθ⋅einθ/2(e−inθ/2−einθ/2)eiθ/2(e−iθ/2−eiθ/2)=ei(n+1)θ/2sin⁡(nθ/2)sin⁡(θ/2).Z=e^{i\theta}\frac{1-e^{in\theta}}{1-e^{i\theta}}=e^{i\theta}\cdot\frac{e^{in\theta/2}(e^{-in\theta/2}-e^{in\theta/2})}{e^{i\theta/2}(e^{-i\theta/2}-e^{i\theta/2})}=e^{i(n+1)\theta/2}\frac{\sin(n\theta/2)}{\sin(\theta/2)}.

Imaginary part. Sn=sin⁡(nθ/2)sin⁡((n+1)θ/2)sin⁡(θ/2)S_n=\frac{\sin(n\theta/2)\sin((n+1)\theta/2)}{\sin(\theta/2)}.

Conclusion. Sn=sin⁡(nθ/2)sin⁡((n+1)θ/2)sin⁡(θ/2)S_n=\frac{\sin(n\theta/2)\sin((n+1)\theta/2)}{\sin(\theta/2)} (for sin⁡(θ/2)≠0\sin(\theta/2)\neq0).