Simplifying a trigonometric expression

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying a trigonometric expression involving tangent, cotangent, sine, and cosine functions. Participants explore various methods for simplification, particularly in the context of an exam setting where calculators and reference tables are not allowed.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose rewriting the expression in terms of sine and cosine functions and adjusting the angles to fit within the first cycle of trigonometric functions.
  • One participant shares their simplification process, resulting in a specific expression involving sine and cosine values, while noting the constraints of an exam environment.
  • Another participant emphasizes the periodic nature of tangent and cotangent functions, suggesting a reformulation of the expression based on their properties.
  • There is a mention of complementary angles, with a participant pointing out the relationship between sine and cosine for the angles involved.
  • Some values, such as sin(30), cos(30), cos(135), and sin(135), are noted as being simplifiable directly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to simplify the expression, with multiple methods and viewpoints presented. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective simplification technique.

Contextual Notes

Participants express limitations due to the exam conditions, which restrict the use of calculators and trigonometric tables. This context influences their approaches to simplification.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for university entrance exams in mathematics or related fields may find the discussion relevant, particularly those interested in trigonometric simplifications without computational aids.

Alexstrasuz1
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(tg 570* sin 1469) / (ctg 495 * cos 781) =
Its in degrees
 
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Alexstrasuz said:
(tg 570* sin 1469) / (ctg 495 * cos 781) =
Its in degrees

I would first try to write everything in terms of sines and cosines, and then change all the angles to the corresponding angles in the first cycle (so $\displaystyle \begin{align*} 0^{\circ} \leq \theta < 360^{\circ} \end{align*}$...)
 
I did it and I got [(sin30 * sin29)/cos30]/[(cos135*cos61)/sin135]
My problem is this is for exam for university application and we can't use calculator or the sheets with trigonometric table like value of sin30 etc, I am ok with algebra since my university is focusing more on chemistry.
 
Alexstrasuz said:
I did it and I got [(sin30 * sin29)/cos30]/[(cos135*cos61)/sin135]
My problem is this is for exam for university application and we can't use calculator or the sheets with trigonometric table like value of sin30 etc, I am ok with algebra since my university is focusing more on chemistry.

Some of those values can be simplified straight away - sin(30), cos(30), cos(135) and sin(135)...
 
When I consider that the period of the tangent and cotangent functions is $180^{\circ}$ and the period of the sine and cosine functions is $360^{\circ}$, and the fact that cotangent is an odd function, I can then rewrite the given expression as:

$$-\frac{\tan\left(30^{\circ}\right)\sin\left(29^{\circ}\right)}{\cot\left(45^{\circ}\right)\cos\left(61^{\circ}\right)}$$

Now, to deal with the sine and cosine function, we see the angles $29^{\circ}$ and $61^{\circ}$ are complementary...which means the sine of one is the cosine of the other and vice versa.

As for the tangent and cotangent functions, those are special angles for which we should know the values of those functions at those angles.
 

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