Trigonometry and Identities

In summary: Can you explain why this is the case?In summary, the expression sin^2x + 4sinx + 4 / sinx + 2 can be simplified to sinx + 2 by factoring the numerator and canceling out common factors. However, it is important to note that this can only be done when the denominator is not equal to zero, as shown by the example of plugging in -2 for x. Additionally, the expression always holds true regardless of the value of x due to the fact that the numerator and denominator contain the same factors.
  • #1
Veronica_Oles
142
3

Homework Statement


sin^2x + 4sinx +4 / sinx + 2 = sinx +2

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


L.S = sin^2x + 4sinx +4 / sinx + 2
=1-cos^2+4(sinx + 1) / sinx +2

Not sure where to go from there.
Not sure if I was even supposed to factor out the 4?
 
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  • #2
Veronica_Oles said:

Homework Statement


sin^2x + 4sinx +4 / sinx + 2 = sinx +2

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


L.S = sin^2x + 4sinx +4 / sinx + 2
=1-cos^2+4(sinx + 1) / sinx +2

Not sure where to go from there.
Not sure if I was even supposed to factor out the 4?
Please enclose the entirety of any numerator and/or denominator in parentheses.
 
  • #3
SammyS said:
Please enclose the entirety of any numerator and/or denominator in parentheses.

(Sin^2x + 4sinx + 4) / (sinx + 2) = sinx + 2
 
  • #4
Veronica_Oles said:
(Sin^2x + 4sinx + 4) / (sinx + 2) = sinx + 2
Factor the numerator.
 
  • #5
SammyS said:
Factor the numerator.
Thank you, didn't catch that.
 
  • #6
Veronica_Oles said:
Thank you, didn't catch that.
So, what do you get ?
 
  • #7
SammyS said:
So, what do you get ?
((Sinx + 2)(Sinx + 2)) / (Sinx + 2)

Then you cancel one from top and bottom to get: Sinx + 2.
 
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  • #8
Veronica_Oles said:
((Sinx + 2)(Sinx + 2)) / (Sinx + 2)

Then you cancel one from top and bottom to get: Sinx + 2.

Yes, but it is a tiny bit more complicated. Here's something to think about:

1) Why doesn't the following equality hold for all ##x##:

[tex]\frac{(x+2)(x+2)}{x+2} = x+2[/tex]

2) Why is this no problem with the question in the OP?
 
  • #9
micromass said:
Yes, but it is a tiny bit more complicated. Here's something to think about:

1) Why doesn't the following equality hold for all ##x##:

[tex]\frac{(x+2)(x+2)}{x+2} = x+2[/tex]

2) Why is this no problem with the question in the OP?

((Sinx + 2)(Sinx + 2)) you then take reciprocal of denominator and multiply it by the numerator, and that it is when you cancel them out?
 
  • #10
Can you always divide out common factors from numerator and denumerator? For example, can you always say that (cosx-1)(cosx + 1)/(cosx - 1) = cosx + 1?

Why can/can't you say that? And what about your expression, those are things you have to think about!
 
  • #11
micromass said:
Yes, but it is a tiny bit more complicated. Here's something to think about:

1) Why doesn't the following equality hold for all ##x##:

[tex]\frac{(x+2)(x+2)}{x+2} = x+2[/tex]

2) Why is this no problem with the question in the OP?

To give you a hint, what happens if we plug in -2 for x? Pay attention to the denominator.
 
  • #12
micromass said:
Yes, but it is a tiny bit more complicated. Here's something to think about:

1) Why doesn't the following equality hold for all ##x##:

[tex]\frac{(x+2)(x+2)}{x+2} = x+2[/tex]

2) Why is this no problem with the question in the OP?

Veronica Oles said:
((Sinx + 2)(Sinx + 2)) you then take reciprocal of denominator and multiply it by the numerator, and that it is when you cancel them out?
micromass asked two questions. You didn't respond to his first question, and your answer to the second question doesn't address why ##\frac{(\sin x+2)(\sin x+2)}{\sin x+2} = \sin x+2## is always true, regardless of the value of x.
 

1. What is trigonometry?

Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with the relationships between the sides and angles of triangles. It is commonly used to solve problems involving right triangles and in many real-world applications, such as navigation and engineering.

2. What are the basic trigonometric identities?

The basic trigonometric identities are sine, cosine, and tangent. These identities are used to calculate the ratios of the sides of a right triangle, which are sine (opposite/hypotenuse), cosine (adjacent/hypotenuse), and tangent (opposite/adjacent).

3. How are trigonometric identities used in real life?

Trigonometric identities are used in various fields, such as physics, engineering, and astronomy, to calculate and measure distances, angles, and heights. They are also used in navigation, surveying, and in the construction of buildings and structures.

4. What is the difference between a trigonometric function and a trigonometric identity?

A trigonometric function is a mathematical function that relates the angles of a triangle to the ratios of its sides. A trigonometric identity, on the other hand, is an equation that is always true for all values of the variables, even if it is not a specific function. In other words, a trigonometric identity is a special type of equation that involves trigonometric functions.

5. How do you prove a trigonometric identity?

To prove a trigonometric identity, you must manipulate one side of the equation using algebraic techniques and trigonometric identities until it is equivalent to the other side. This process is called a proof by algebraic manipulation. It is also important to keep in mind that both sides of the equation must have the same domain, or set of values for which they are defined.

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