How to Prove Complex Trigonometric Identity?

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The discussion revolves around proving a complex trigonometric identity involving tangent, sine, and cosine functions. Participants express confusion over the original equation's correctness, suggesting that it may have been copied incorrectly from the source material. Several users recommend checking the problem again, particularly whether it asks to prove an identity or solve an equation, as this distinction is crucial. They also suggest substituting specific values for X to test the equality of both sides. Ultimately, there is consensus that the formulation may be flawed, leading to inconsistencies in the results.
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how can i prove

tan X/sinx+cosx=sin^2 X + sinXcosX/cos X - 2cos^3X

so far I've tried using basic identities to figure it out, but i just end up getting confused.


:confused:
 
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The way you have written it is confusing. Are there any paranthesis missing?
 
assyrian_77 said:
The way you have written it is confusing. Are there any paranthesis missing?
no..

hmm let me write it out another way

how can i prove

tanX
______
sinx+cosx

=

sin^2 X + sinXcosX
________________
cos X - 2cos^3X
 
Try putting x = pi/4 and see what you get.

Carl
 
In other words, there were parenthesis missing...
 
clook said:
no..

hmm let me write it out another way

how can i prove

tanX
______
sinx+cosx

=

sin^2 X + sinXcosX
________________
cos X - 2cos^3X
The problem is wrong. Are you sure you copied this correctly?
I think it should be:
\frac{\tan x}{\sin x + \cos x} = \frac{\sin ^ 2 x + \sin x \cos x}{\cos x + 2 \sin x \cos ^ 2 x}
 
VietDao29 said:
The problem is wrong. Are you sure you copied this correctly?
I think it should be:
\frac{\tan x}{\sin x + \cos x} = \frac{\sin ^ 2 x + \sin x \cos x}{\cos x + 2 \sin x \cos ^ 2 x}
i copied it as it was exactly written in the book.. :confused:
 
clook said:
how can i prove

tan X/sinx+cosx=sin^2 X + sinXcosX/cos X - 2cos^3X

so far I've tried using basic identities to figure it out, but i just end up getting confused.


:confused:
No, you haven't copied this correctly: Put X=0
Left hand side yields 2, whereas right-hand side yields -2.

Read your book again; this time with your eyes open.
 
Try cancelling the common factors and try compreesing the question to its simplest form. You would then probably then get a breakthrough
 
  • #10
arildno said:
No, you haven't copied this correctly: Put X=0
Left hand side yields 2, whereas right-hand side yields -2.

Read your book again; this time with your eyes open.
i am positive i copied it correctly. i would take a picture from the book, but i don't have a camera or scanner right now.
 
  • #11
When you put x = 0 in both sides are equal to zero.

Just rewritting what clook posted in a more organised manor:

\frac{\tan x}{\sin x + \cos x} = \frac{\sin^2 x + \sin x \cos x}{\cos x - 2\cos^3 x}
 
  • #12
Hootenanny said:
When you put x = 0 in both sides are equal to zero.

Just rewritting what clook posted in a more organised manor:

\frac{\tan x}{\sin x + \cos x} = \frac{\sin^2 x + \sin x \cos x}{\cos x - 2\cos^3 x}

This statement is equivalent to saying sinx=-cosx, so something is VERY fishy here.

-Dan
 
  • #13
Ok clook, assuming that

\frac{\tan x}{\sin x + \cos x} = \frac{\sin^2 x + \sin x \cos x}{\cos x - 2\cos^3 x}

is what you have in your book. I worked with the RHS and got this:

\frac{\tan x}{\sin x-\cos x}

As you can see, this is different from the LHS in your equation. Something is indeed fishy here.
 
  • #14
clook said:
i am positive i copied it correctly. i would take a picture from the book, but i don't have a camera or scanner right now.
Okay, look at your problem again, does it say something like:
Prove this identity, or does it tell you to solve the equation?
 
  • #15
VietDao29 said:
Okay, look at your problem again, does it say something like:
Prove this identity, or does it tell you to solve the equation?

Yes solve would make a lot more sense (and would be very easy as well) :wink:
 

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