Can You Simplify csc(θ) - sin(θ) to cos(θ)cot(θ)?

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SUMMARY

The equation csc(θ) - sin(θ) simplifies to cos(θ)cot(θ) through algebraic manipulation. By substituting csc(θ) with 1/sin(θ), the expression becomes (1 - sin²(θ))/sin(θ). Recognizing that 1 - sin²(θ) equals cos²(θ) leads to the final form of cos²(θ)/sin(θ), which is equivalent to cos(θ)cot(θ). This proof emphasizes the importance of finding a common denominator and utilizing trigonometric identities.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically csc(θ), sin(θ), and cot(θ).
  • Knowledge of algebraic manipulation techniques, including finding common denominators.
  • Familiarity with the Pythagorean identity: 1 - sin²(θ) = cos²(θ).
  • Basic skills in simplifying fractions and expressions in trigonometry.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of trigonometric identities.
  • Practice algebraic manipulation of trigonometric expressions.
  • Learn about the unit circle and its relationship to trigonometric functions.
  • Explore advanced trigonometric identities, such as double angle and half angle formulas.
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Students studying trigonometry, mathematics educators, and anyone looking to enhance their understanding of trigonometric identities and proofs.

lwelch70
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csc(theta) - sin(theta) = cos(theta)*cot(theta)

I'm supposed to write a proof for this but to be honest I'm not really sure where I should even start. The prof taught to take one side of the equation and simply manipulate each part into its equivalent until the other side of the equation was reached (if that makes sense). I just can't seem to get it flowing.
 
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Some work I'm trying,

I know that csc(theta) = 1/sin(theta). But if I substitute for this I simply get [1/sin(theta)] - sin(theta). I'm just really stuck and could use a start as to how to go about proving this.
 
actually this identity isn't that challenging

as you said csc = 1/sin *i'm not going to keep saying theta, you should know it's there

so then you'll have 1/sin - sin, find common denominator by just multiplying sin by sin/sin to get (1 - sin^2)/sin

1-sin^2 is just cos^2, so know you have (cos^2)/sin, which is just cos(cot)

understand?
 
Muliply both sides by some thing that will make it look more familiar.
 
physicsman2 said:
actually this identity isn't that challenging

as you said csc = 1/sin *i'm not going to keep saying theta, you should know it's there

so then you'll have 1/sin - sin, find common denominator by just multiplying sin by sin/sin to get (1 - sin^2)/sin

1-sin^2 is just cos^2, so know you have (cos^2)/sin, which is just cos(cot)

understand?

iamthegelo said:
Muliply both sides by some thing that will make it look more familiar.

Okay guys, that helps me out a lot. I guess I was on the right track I'm just too out of it to realize that I needed to multiply to get a common denominator. Thanks again for the guidance
 
no problem all it takes is some manipulation and knowledge of other identities to get these
 

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