Proving Trigonometric Identities

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving trigonometric identities, specifically four identities involving sine, cosine, tangent, and cotangent functions. Participants emphasize the importance of manipulating equations using fundamental trigonometric identities and suggest using tangent sum and difference formulas for simplification. The identities discussed include sin(x+y)sin(x-y)=cos²y-cos²x, tan(π/4+x)+tan(π/4-x)=2sec²x, cosx-cosy=-2sin((x+y)/2)sin((x+y)/2), and 2cotx-2tanx=4-(2sec²x/tanx). The community encourages detailed attempts at solutions for effective assistance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic trigonometric identities
  • Familiarity with tangent sum and difference formulas
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions
  • Knowledge of sine and cosine functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the tangent sum and difference formulas in detail
  • Practice manipulating trigonometric identities using sine and cosine
  • Explore advanced trigonometric identities and their proofs
  • Review common mistakes in trigonometric manipulations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying trigonometry, mathematics educators, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of trigonometric identities and their proofs.

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Homework Statement


1) sin(x+y)sin(x-y)=cos^2y-cos^2x

2) tan(∏⁄4+x)+tan(∏/4-x)=2sec2x

3) cosx-cosy=-2sin(x+y/2)sin(x+y/2)

4) 2cotx-2tanx=4-2sec^2x/tanx

Homework Equations


all trig identities

The Attempt at a Solution


1) i understand that i should show what i have attempted but there is way too many lines of manipulating the equations and i don't have the time to write it down. i can say that for all of these identities i have changed them to cos and sin as these can be the easiest to solve and then used trig identities to make both sides look the same. i have nt had any luck with these and i was hoping you guys could help me

thx a lot!
 
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3) cosx-cosy=-2sin(x+y/2)sin(x+y/2)
Is it (x+y)/2 or x+(y/2)?
4) 2cotx-2tanx=4-2sec^2x/tanx
Again... is it (4-2sec^2x)/tanx or 4-(2sec^2x/tanx)?
1) i understand that i should show what i have attempted but there is way too many lines of manipulating the equations and i don't have the time to write it down. i can say that for all of these identities i have changed them to cos and sin as these can be the easiest to solve and then used trig identities to make both sides look the same. i have nt had any luck with these and i was hoping you guys could help me
Sorry, you'll have to make time to write what you have so far if you want us to help. I'll give you one suggestion -- in #2, don't convert to cosines and sines as your first step. Too messy. Instead, use the tangent sum & difference formulas.01
 
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