Solving Trigonometric Proofs: Struggling with Two Challenging Examples

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two trigonometric proofs involving identities: the first being (cot²X) - 1 = csc²X and the second (cot²X) - (cos²X) = cos²Xcot²X. Participants express difficulty in proving these identities and question their solvability.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest using Pythagorean identities to evaluate the expressions. There are mentions of dividing and rearranging terms, as well as concerns about the constraints imposed by the original poster's teacher regarding allowable operations. Some participants question the correctness of the first problem's formulation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants offering guidance on using identities and exploring different approaches. There is a lack of consensus on the solvability of the problems, and multiple interpretations of the identities are being explored.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates restrictions on manipulating the equations, such as dividing or multiplying both sides, which may affect the approaches discussed. There is also a correction suggested regarding the first problem's identity.

mrtkawa
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i need help for these 2 trig proofs, i did everything i could but it's impossible.

1st question; (cot^2X)-1=csc^2X

and

2nd question; (cot^2X)-(cos^2X)=cos^2Xcot^2X

caution, both might be insoluable

thanks!
 
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You can use the Pythagorean Identities to evaluate the expressions to see if they are equal. Recall that [tex]\cos^{2} \theta + \sin^{2} \theta = 1[/tex] and that you can modify this equation by dividing by sin or cos to give two additional equations in terms of tan, cot, sec, and csc.
 
Do you know the identity sin^2(x) + cos^2(x) = 1? Try dividing, rearranging terms, etc.
 
i tried everything but it does not work at all!
 
You need to use the identity we've given you. Divide the identity by sin x and see what you come up with. You should have something in terms of cotangent and cosecent.
 
oh i forgot tell you that my ass hole teacher want to us to do the proof by solving either side
so i can not divide, square, multiply or anything to the both side or the one side
 
I know and what I'm trying to get you to do is complete this one step so you can compare the result to your first question. What do you get when you divide the identity above by sin x?
 
I am going to give you an example, which is nearly the same as this one:
Example:
Prove that:
sec2x = tan2x + 1
I am going from the LHS to the RHS:
[tex]\sec ^ 2 x = \frac{1}{\cos ^ 2 x} = \frac{\sin ^ 2 x + \cos ^ 2 x}{\cos ^ 2 x} = \tan ^ 2 x + 1[/tex] (Q.E.D)
-------------------
By the way, your first problem is not correct, it should read:
cot2x + 1 = csc2x
not
cot2x - 1 = csc2x
-------------------
For the second problem, what's cot2x in terms of sin(x), and cos(x)? You should also note that:
sin2x + cos2x = 1 (the Pythagorean Identity)
Can you go from here? :)
 

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