Uniform proofs of \(q\)-series-product identities (Q1430554)

The Jacobi triple product identity asserts that, if \((a;q)_\infty:= \prod^\infty_{n=0} (1-aq^n)\), then, for all complex numbers \(z\) and \(q\) with \(z\neq 0\) and \(| q|<1\), \[ \sum^\infty_{n=-\infty} q^{n^2}z^n= (q^2,q^2)_\infty (-zq;q^2)_\infty(-2^{-1}q; q^2)_\infty. \] A simple proof of this identity, using basic properties of cube roots of unity, is given. Further, by using this triple product identity and basic properties of cube and fifth roots of unity, new proofs are given of more complicated related results: the quintuple product identity of G. N. Watson, the septuple product identity of Hirschhorn, and Winquist's identity. Also, some new identities are obtained, from some of which new modular equations can be derived.