An odd trig identity, I WANT PROOF

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a trigonometric identity presented by a participant, specifically the identity csc(2x) - cot(2x) = tan(x). Participants are seeking a proof for this identity, exploring various approaches and identities related to trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the identity csc(2x) - cot(2x) = tan(x) and requests a proof.
  • Another participant provides a breakdown of the left-hand side of the identity, suggesting it can be expressed as a fraction involving sine and cosine.
  • A third participant reiterates the breakdown and suggests applying standard trigonometric identities to prove the equality, while questioning the relevance of the topic to calculus.
  • There is a repeated assertion that the topic may not be strictly calculus-related, emphasizing the need for knowledge of trigonometric identities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the proof of the identity, and there is some disagreement regarding the classification of the topic as calculus-related.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the connection between the identity and calculus, suggesting that the discussion may rely on foundational knowledge of trigonometric identities rather than calculus concepts.

andrewdavis23
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When I was checking my work, Wolframalpha took my trig work a step further with an identity that no one in my Calculus II class has ever seen, including my teacher.

csc(2x) - cot(2x) = tan(x)

I tried to prove the identity myself and I looked online, but no luck. Please, could someone prove this?
 
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We have

[tex]csc(2x)-cot(2x)=\frac{1}{2\sin(x)\cos(x)}-\frac{\cos^2(x)-\sin^2(x)}{2\sin(x)\cos(x)}[/tex]

Can you prove this?? Can you take it from there??
 
Just write this as [itex]\displaystyle\dfrac{ 1}{\sin\left(2\cdot x\right)} -\dfrac{\cos\left(2\cdot x\right)}{ \sin\left(2\cdot x\right)}=\dfrac{ \sin\left(x\right)}{\cos\left(x\right)}[/itex] while remembering that [itex]\sin^2\left(x\right)+\cos^2\left(x\right)=1[/itex]. Then apply the standard trig identities.

Oh, and, is this really calculus?
 
Whovian said:
Just write this as [itex]\displaystyle\dfrac{ 1}{\sin\left(2\cdot x\right)} -\dfrac{\cos\left(2\cdot x\right)}{ \sin\left(2\cdot x\right)}=\dfrac{ \sin\left(x\right)}{\cos\left(x\right)}[/itex] while remembering that [itex]\sin^2\left(x\right)+\cos^2\left(x\right)=1[/itex]. Then apply the standard trig identities.

Oh, and, is this really calculus?

This isn't really Calculus; however, you do have to know your trig identities with various questions.
 

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