How Do You Simplify Complex Trigonometric Expressions?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on simplifying complex trigonometric expressions. Participants analyze two specific expressions: sin t + (cot t)(cos t) and (sec x)(sin^2 x)(csc x). For the first expression, there is confusion around the correct manipulation of cotangent and sine functions, leading to a need for clarification on notation. The second expression involves breaking down secant, sine squared, and cosecant, with participants discussing how to simplify these into a single trigonometric ratio. The conversation highlights common pitfalls in trigonometric simplification and the importance of accurate notation.
stuck
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Theres a few...
Write each expression as a single trigonometric ratio or as the number 1.


1) sint+(cott)(cost)

2) (sec x)(sin^2x)(csc x)


For number one I went like this:
sin t + ((1/cot)(cos/1))
sin t + (cos t/cot t)
sin t + (cos t/1)( sin t/cos x)
(sin t cos t)/1 + (sin t cot t)/1

But then I get stuck.


For number 2 I went like this:
(secx)(sin^2x)(cscx)
(1/cosx)(sin^2x/1)(1/sinx)
sin^2x/(cosx)(sinx)

But then I got stuck again. :confused:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
stuck said:
Theres a few...
Write each expression as a single trigonometric ratio or as the number 1.1) sint+(cott)(cost)

2) (sec x)(sin^2x)(csc x)


For number one I went like this:
sin t + ((1/cot)(cos/1))
sin t + (cos t/cot t)
sin t + (cos t/1)( sin t/cos x)
(sin t cos t)/1 + (sin t cot t)/1

But then I get stuck. For number 2 I went like this:
(secx)(sin^2x)(cscx)
(1/cosx)(sin^2x/1)(1/sinx)
sin^2x/(cosx)(sinx)

But then I got stuck again. :confused:

sint+(cott)(cost)

= sint + \frac{cos^2 t}{sint} = \frac{?+??}{sint}secx*sin^2x*cosecx=\frac{1}{cosx}\times sin^2x \times \frac{1}{sinx}

sin^2x \times \frac{1}{sinx} gives what? and then that times \frac{1}{cosx} gives what?
 
Err, what is the question? If I read your notation correctly, first you say it is
sin t+ (cot t)(cos t)
and then you proceed to calculate
sin t + (1/cot t)(cos t)
 
Yes, the above statements are right. Your mistake lies in the fact that you mean to write 1/ tan t , and not 1/cott to represent cott.
 
rock.freak667 said:
sint+(cott)(cost)

= sint + \frac{cos^2 t}{sint} = \frac{?+??}{sint}


secx*sin^2x*cosecx=\frac{1}{cosx}\times sin^2x \times \frac{1}{sinx}

sin^2x \times \frac{1}{sinx} gives what? and then that times \frac{1}{cosx} gives what?

would it be:

(sin^2x) x (1/sinx) = sin^2x/sinx

(sin^2x/sinx) x (1/cosx) = (sin^2x)/(sinx cosx)?
 
You are correct, but rock.freak is showing you that you can simplify sin2x/sinx. Hint: what is y2/y, or 52/5?
 
Back
Top