How Do You Simplify Complex Trigonometric Expressions?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying complex trigonometric expressions, specifically focusing on two expressions: \( \sin t + (\cot t)(\cos t) \) and \( (\sec x)(\sin^2 x)(\csc x) \). Participants are exploring various methods to rewrite these expressions as single trigonometric ratios or as the number 1.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to manipulate the first expression by substituting cotangent and exploring its simplification. They also analyze the second expression by breaking it down into its components and questioning the results of their simplifications. Some participants express confusion about notation and the steps taken in their calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and questioning each other's approaches. Some guidance has been offered regarding notation and simplification, but there is no explicit consensus on the best method to simplify the expressions. Multiple interpretations and methods are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the amount of direct assistance they can receive. There is also a noted confusion regarding the notation used for cotangent, which may affect the clarity of the discussion.

stuck
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
there's 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:
there's 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?
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K