Trig Help - Need Help Verifying This Identity

  • Thread starter Thread starter dec1ble
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Identity Trig
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on verifying the trigonometric identity (sin x + tan x) / (1 + cos x) = tan x. Participants emphasize the importance of clear expression formatting, particularly the use of parentheses and distinguishing between hyphens and minus signs. A key suggestion is to replace tan x with sin x / cos x to facilitate algebraic simplification of the left side of the equation. Proper handling of the denominator (1 + cos x) is crucial in the verification process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation
  • Knowledge of sine and cosine functions
  • Ability to interpret mathematical expressions accurately
NEXT STEPS
  • Practice simplifying trigonometric identities using algebraic techniques
  • Learn about the properties of sine and cosine functions
  • Explore common trigonometric identities and their proofs
  • Study the use of parentheses in mathematical expressions for clarity
USEFUL FOR

Students studying trigonometry, mathematics educators, and anyone seeking to improve their skills in verifying trigonometric identities.

dec1ble
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
im trying to verify this identity - sin x + tan x / 1 + cos x = tan x - i get lost very easily and need the steps - can anyone help me?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It might help if you took a little more care in writing your expressions with suitable placement of parentheses and properly distinguishing between hyphens and minus signs.
 
Tide's point is that it is not clear if you mean (sin x+ tan x)/(1+ cos x) or
sin x+ (tan x/(1+ cos x), or (-sin x+ tan x)/(1+ cos x) or...

Probably you mean (sin x+ tan x)/(1+ cos x)= tan x.

Hint: replace tan x by sin x/cos x. Then do the algebra to simplify the left side.
(1+ cos x is important!)
 

Similar threads

How do I proceed with two different trig functions containing x on the left?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Equilibrium of a rigid solid on a rod
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Which Regions Can This Cannon Reach with Its Projectile?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Proving Sin(120) = Sin(60) with Trigonometry
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Equation for an oscillating spring (w/ demping)
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
Calculating Trajectory Equation of Motion for a Rock Touching a Wall
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
Finding speed of two billiard balls in elastic collision
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
Finding the charge on pith balls
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
Momentum Collision Homework Problem -- help please
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Help Solving 2 Qs: Tan(Ɵ) & Sign Direction Error
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K