Is the Equation $ |tanx + cotx| = |tanx| + |cotx| $ True for Any Value of $x$?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the equation $ |tanx + cotx| = |tanx| + |cotx| $ and whether it holds true for any value of $x$. Participants explore the conditions under which the equation may be valid and seek to identify specific values of $x$ that satisfy the equation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that since $tanx$ and $cotx$ always have the same sign, the equation holds true for any value of $x$.
  • Another participant suggests that the equation is true for all $x$ except at specific points, namely $n \pi$ and $\frac{(2n+1) \pi }{2}$.
  • A third participant references the Triangle Inequality to argue that in general, $ |a + b| \not\equiv |a| + |b| $, indicating that the equation may not hold universally.
  • A later reply reiterates the initial claim about the signs of $tanx$ and $cotx$, while emphasizing the need for caution and suggesting that the equation is valid for $y \neq 0$.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the equation across all values of $x$, with some asserting it holds true under certain conditions and others challenging this assertion. No consensus is reached regarding the universality of the equation.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight specific values of $x$ where the equation may not hold, indicating that the discussion involves conditions and exceptions that are not fully resolved.

DaalChawal
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Q. Is $ |tanx + cotx| = |tanx| + |cotx| $ true for any $x?$ If it is true, then find the values of $x$.

My Working -->

Since $tanx$ and $cotx$ always have the same sign, so this holds true for any value of $x$.
 
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Okay I think this should hold true for any $x$ except $n \pi$ , $\frac{(2n+1) \pi }{2}$
Am I correct?
 
In general, $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \left| a + b \right| \not\equiv \left| a \right| + \left| b \right| \end{align*}$, rather $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \left| a + b \right| \leq \left| a \right| + \left| b \right| \end{align*}$. That's called the Triangle Inequality.
 
DaalChawal said:
Q. Is $ |tanx + cotx| = |tanx| + |cotx| $ true for any $x?$ If it is true, then find the values of $x$.

My Working -->

Since $tanx$ and $cotx$ always have the same sign, so this holds true for any value of $x$.
You have to be a bit more careful than this, as Prove It says but you essentially have [math]\left | y + \dfrac{1}{y} \right | = |y| + \left | \dfrac{1}{y} \right |[/math], which is true for [math]y \neq 0[/math].

So, yes.

-Dan
 

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