Home work help: proving a trigonometric identity

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the trigonometric identity \(\frac{1}{1 + \cos(\theta)} = \csc^2(\theta) - \csc(\theta) \cot(\theta)\). The solution involves converting all terms to sine and cosine, leading to the simplification of the right-hand side (RHS) to match the left-hand side (LHS). The key steps include rewriting \(\csc^2(\theta)\) and \(\csc(\theta) \cot(\theta)\) in terms of sine and cosine, ultimately confirming the identity through algebraic manipulation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities
  • Familiarity with sine and cosine functions
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
  • Knowledge of cosecant and cotangent functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of basic trigonometric identities
  • Learn about the properties of sine and cosine functions
  • Explore advanced trigonometric identities and their proofs
  • Practice algebraic manipulation of trigonometric expressions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying trigonometry, educators teaching trigonometric identities, and anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of algebraic proofs in trigonometry.

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___________ =csc2\theta-csc\thetacot\theta
1+cos\theta
 
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Re: home work help

Are you asking how to prove the identity \frac{1}{1+ cos(\theta)}= csc^2(\theta)- csc(\theta)cot(\theta)?
Also you labeled this "home work" help. Did you make any attempt at this yourself or do you just want someone to do your home work for you?

My first reaction for a problem like this is always to change every thing to sine and cosine:
\frac{1}{1+ cos(\theta)}= \frac{1}{sin^2(\theta)}- \frac{1}{sin(\theta)}\frac{cos(\theta)}{sin(\theta)}
 
816318 said:
\frac{1}{1 + \cos\theta} \;=\; \csc^2\theta-\csc\theta\cot\theta []/size]

RHS \;\;=\;\;\frac{1}{\sin^2\theta} - \frac{1}{\sin\theta}\frac{\cos\theta}{\sin\theta} \;\;=\;\;\frac{1-\cos\theta}{\sin^2\theta} \;\;=\;\;\frac{1-\cos\theta}{1-\cos^2\theta}

. . . . . =\;\;\frac{1-\cos\theta}{(1-\cos\theta)(1+\cos\theta)} \;\;=\;\;\frac{1}{1+\cos\theta} \;\;=\;\; LHS
 
$$\frac{1}{1+\cos(\theta)}\cdot\frac{1-\cos(\theta)}{1-\cos(\theta)}=\frac{1-\cos(\theta)}{\sin^2(\theta)}=\csc^2(\theta)-\csc(\theta)\cot(\theta)$$
 
Re: home work help

HallsofIvy said:
Are you asking how to prove the identity \frac{1}{1+ cos(\theta)}= csc^2(\theta)- csc(\theta)cot(\theta)?
Also you labeled this "home work" help. Did you make any attempt at this yourself or do you just want someone to do your home work for you?

My first reaction for a problem like this is always to change every thing to sine and cosine:
\frac{1}{1+ cos(\theta)}= \frac{1}{sin^2(\theta)}- \frac{1}{sin(\theta)}\frac{cos(\theta)}{sin(\theta)}

Thanks buddy, the first step was all that was needed to solve the rest!
 

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