How Can I Simplify Trigonometric Expressions in My Homework?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying trigonometric expressions, specifically focusing on the expression tan(x) cos(x). The original poster shares their struggle with multiple similar problems and seeks assistance in understanding the simplification process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various methods to simplify the expression, including rewriting tan(x) in terms of sin(x) and cos(x). There are attempts to clarify the steps involved in the simplification process, with some participants expressing confusion about the next steps after initial transformations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing different perspectives and suggestions. Some guidance has been offered regarding algebraic manipulation and the relationship between sine and cosine functions, but there is no explicit consensus on the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the original poster being new to the material and struggling with foundational concepts such as finding least common denominators and factoring, which may affect their ability to simplify trigonometric expressions effectively.

Arsonade
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i have some problems (37 actually) that i have tried vvery much to work on and have gotten nowhere

just to give you an example, the first one is

tanx cosx i have to simplify this

the first thing i would do is make it

sinx
cos cosx but after this I am stumped. the other problems are along this same idea

i do not think that i will get much acomplished doing this on a fourum so if anyone would be so kind as to help me, my AIM sn is AdamChess4.

thank you and i would really apriciate any help you can give me.

Adam
 
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simplify

tan(x)cos(x) ?

\frac{sin(x)}{cos(x)}cos(x).. you can't seriously not know what to do next..
 
well, i honestly dont, e are just learning this and i am having trouble finding LCDs and factoring these types of operations,
Adam
 
Arsonade said:
well, i honestly dont, e are just learning this and i am having trouble finding LCDs and factoring these types of operations,
Adam


Ok. In that expression you have sin x/cos x, so you're dividing by cosine. Then you multiply by cosine. What happens?
 
i'd suggest you brush up on a little algebra before tackling any trig
 
I can only imagine you are getting intimidated by the sin(x) and cos(x) functions. Try writing y = sin(x) and x = cos(x) then simplify. Hopefully going through this exercise will be helpful.
 
\frac{sinx}{cosx}=tanx

\frac{sinx}{cosx} \times cosx

The two cosx gets crossed out.

then you get sinx

Maybe I am wrong.
 
Last edited:
when

x
-- y
y

= x
there's a restriction that y cannot be 0 though, but in most cases its irrelevant

when

x
---
y/x

you change this to multiplication
x * x/y

x^2/y

Hope this helps!
 

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