How do you determine the restrictions of an identity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the restrictions on the variables in the identity $$\frac{\sin x}{\tan x} = \cos x$$. Participants explore how to identify these restrictions, particularly in relation to the values of x that lead to undefined expressions or zero denominators.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the textbook states the restrictions include 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°, and 360° but seeks clarification on how these were determined.
  • Another participant emphasizes that division by zero is a key factor, leading to the conclusion that $$\tan(x) \neq 0$$, which implies $$\sin(x) \neq 0$$ and $$\cos(x) \neq 0$$.
  • Further discussion questions how the specific angles of 180°, 270°, and 360° were derived as restrictions.
  • Participants calculate the values of $$\sin(180^{\circ})$$, $$\cos(270^{\circ})$$, and $$\sin(360^{\circ})$$, noting that they all equal 0, which contributes to the reasoning behind the restrictions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of avoiding division by zero and the implications for certain angles, but the specific reasoning for some of the restrictions remains unclear and is still being explored.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the exact reasoning behind all the restrictions, particularly for the angles 180°, 270°, and 360°, leaving some assumptions and definitions unaddressed.

eleventhxhour
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So, this question says "prove each identity. State any restrictions on the variables".

5a) $$\frac{sinx}{tanx} = cosx$$

I did the first part of the question correctly (proving it), but I don't understand how you determine the restrictions on the variables. In the textbook, it says that it cannot be 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°, and 360°. Could someone explain how they got that?

Thanks!
 
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We cannot have division by zero, so we know:

$$\tan(x)\ne0$$

And because $$\tan(x)\equiv\frac{\sin(x)}{\cos(x)}\implies\sin(x)\ne0$$

We also have:

$$\cos(x)\ne0$$
 
MarkFL said:
We cannot have division by zero, so we know:

$$\tan(x)\ne0$$

And because $$\tan(x)\equiv\frac{\sin(x)}{\cos(x)}\implies\sin(x)\ne0$$

We also have:

$$\cos(x)\ne0$$

Okay, so that gets you that it cannot = 0° and 90°. But how did they get that it cannot be 180°, 270°, and 360°?
 
What are:

$$\sin\left(180^{\circ}\right)$$

$$\cos\left(270^{\circ}\right)$$

$$\sin\left(360^{\circ}\right)$$
 
MarkFL said:
What are:

$$\sin\left(180^{\circ}\right)$$

$$\cos\left(270^{\circ}\right)$$

$$\sin\left(360^{\circ}\right)$$

They all equal 0
 

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