Tigonometric Identies problem help

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter andyc18
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around verifying two trigonometric identities. Participants are seeking assistance with the identities and exploring methods for proving them, including notation clarification and algebraic manipulation.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests help with verifying the identities: (cot - csc)2 = (1 - cos)/(1 + cos) and sin2tan2/tan2 - sin2 = 1.
  • Another participant suggests expressing all quantities in terms of sine and cosine as a method for proving trigonometric identities.
  • A participant expresses difficulty in applying the suggested method, indicating a lack of success despite multiple attempts.
  • Clarification is requested regarding the notation used in the identities, specifically whether sin2 refers to (sin x)2 or sin 2x, and the correct interpretation of the second identity.
  • A proposed solution for the first identity is presented, showing step-by-step algebraic manipulation to arrive at the conclusion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion includes multiple viewpoints on how to approach the verification of the identities, with some participants agreeing on the method of using sine and cosine, while others express confusion and seek clarification on notation. The overall resolution of the identities remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the clarity of notation and the assumptions made about the variables involved in the identities. The discussion does not resolve these ambiguities.

andyc18
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I need hep verifying two trig identity problems

1. (cot-csc)^2 = (1-cos)/(1+cos)


2. sin2tan2/tan2-sin2 = 1

Any help?
Thanks in advance!
 
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The easiest way to prove trig identities is to express all of the quantites in terms of sines and cosines, then start rearranging from there...
 
I have tried doing that many times ..still having no luck..
 
Could you please write out your questions again, with the variables, and all bracketing correct?

There's no way to tell is, by sin2 you mean (sin x)<sup>2</sup> or sin 2x.

Also, in your second problem, do you mean

[tex]\frac{\sin^2 x \tan^2 x}{\tan^2 x} - \sin^2 x[/tex]

or something else?

Notation is important.
 
Here's a solution to the first problem:

[tex](\cot x - \mbox{cosec} x)^2\\<br /> = \left(\frac{\cos x}{\sin x} - \frac{1}{\sin x}\right)^2\\<br /> = \frac{(\cos x - 1)(\cos x - 1)}{\sin^2 x}\\<br /> = \frac{(\cos x - 1)(\cos x - 1)}{1 - \cos^2 x}\\<br /> = \frac{(\cos x - 1)(\cos x - 1)}{(1 + \cos x)(1 - \cos x)}\\<br /> = \frac{1 - \cos x}{1 + \cos x}[/tex]
 
Last edited:

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