Homework Help: Trig Equation

1. Oct 24, 2005

cscott

Looking for some help for this equation:

$$2 \csc x + 3 \sec x = - \sec x \tan x$$

2. Oct 24, 2005

HallsofIvy

Generally, for a problem like this, the best thing to do is change them all to one function. Do you know how sec x, csc x and tan x are defined?

3. Oct 30, 2005

cscott

I do. I can put it all in sine/cosine but I can't get anywhere from there.

$$\frac{2}{\sin x} + \frac{3}{\cos x} = -\frac{1}{\cos x}\cdot\frac{\sin x}{\cos x}$$

Last edited: Oct 30, 2005
4. Oct 30, 2005

hotvette

So, what's the question? Is this an identity that you are trying to prove, or are you trying to solve for x that satisfies the equation?

Last edited: Oct 30, 2005
5. Oct 30, 2005

cscott

Solve for x.

6. Oct 30, 2005

hotvette

HallsofIvy had the right idea. You just need to go further. Which trig function could you multiply by to simplify the equation $\frac{2}{\sin x} + \frac{3}{\cos x} = -\frac{1}{\cos x}\cdot\frac{\sin x}{\cos x}$?

Last edited: Oct 30, 2005
7. Oct 30, 2005

cscott

Sine! Thanks.