How Can I Simplify These Trigonometric Expressions?

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The discussion focuses on simplifying various trigonometric expressions, with specific problems outlined for assistance. For the first problem, factoring out the highest common factor and using the identity sin²x + cos²x = 1 can aid in simplification. The second problem involves rewriting the expression with proper brackets and substituting cot x with y to facilitate factoring. The third problem suggests using the difference of squares to simplify the expression in terms of cos x. Lastly, the fourth problem emphasizes using the identity tan²x + 1 = sec²x to rewrite the expression in terms of sec x.
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these are a couple more math problems I am having trouble with. if you can help me i would appreciate it. if you could just put the number of the problem your helping me with that would be great

1)simplify -3sin^(5)x - 3sin^(3)x cos^(2)x

2.)simplify 2cot^(2)x -3cotx - 9 / cot^(2)x - 9

3.)simplify 5cos^(4)x - 5sin^(4)x and write in terms of cos x.

4.)simplify tan^(2)x + (1 + sec x)^2 write in terms of sec x.
 
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mathopressor said:
these are a couple more math problems I am having trouble with. if you can help me i would appreciate it. if you could just put the number of the problem your helping me with that would be great

1)simplify -3sin^(5)x - 3sin^(3)x cos^(2)x
What is the highest common factor in this expression?

Also, notice that almost everything is in terms of sin but we have a \cos^2{x} term. Remember this useful formula

\sin^2{x}+\cos^2{x}=1

so

\cos^2{x}=1-\sin^2{x}

if you apply this substitution, then you'll have everything in terms of sin and will probably be able to simplify even further.


mathopressor said:
2.)simplify 2cot^(2)x -3cotx - 9 / cot^(2)x - 9

You should put brackets around the numerator and denominator as so

(2cot^(2)x -3cotx - 9) / (cot^(2)x - 9)

else it could be misinterpreted as being

2\cot^2{x}-3\cot{x}-\frac{9}{\cot^2{x}}-9

Begin by letting y=\cot{x} so you'll have a quadratic in y in the numerator and denominator, then factorize those quadratics and you should be able to cancel out a common factor, and then convert back to cot(x) at the end.

mathopressor said:
3.)simplify 5cos^(4)x - 5sin^(4)x and write in terms of cos x.
Can you factorize x^4-y^4 as a difference of two squares?

mathopressor said:
4.)simplify tan^(2)x + (1 + sec x)^2 write in terms of sec x.

That important formula from earlier

\sin^2{x}+\cos^2{x}=1

if we divide through by \cos^2{x} then we get

\frac{\sin^2{x}}{\cos^2{x}}+\frac{\cos^2{x}}{\cos^2{x}}=\frac{1}{\cos^2{x}}

\tan^2{x}+1=\sec^2{x}

So now you can use this to get rid of the tan(x) term in your expression.
 
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