Is sec θ/sec θ = 2sec θ? | Math Q&A

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The equation sec θ / sec θ = 2 sec θ is incorrect. The division of any non-zero number by itself equals 1, hence sec θ / sec θ simplifies to 1. This is analogous to the algebraic expression x/x = 2x, which is not valid. The discussion emphasizes the application of the distributive property in algebra, clarifying that x + x equals 2x, not x/x.

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Is sec theta / sec theta = 2 sec theta? Is this correct? Thanks
 
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With the exception of 0, any number divided by itself is 1. Assuming that \sec(\theta) is defined for the given \theta , \frac{\sec(\theta)}{\sec(\theta)} = 1
 
Ok thanks
 
CrossFit415 said:
Is sec theta / sec theta = 2 sec theta? Is this correct? Thanks
This is a lot like asking whether x/x = 2x, which is generally not true. If you add one thing to another, equal thing, you get two of those things. IOW, x + x = 2x.

The reason for this is the distributive property.
x + x = x(1 + 1) = x * 2 = 2x.
 

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