Trig Equations With Undefined Values

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The discussion focuses on simplifying and solving trigonometric equations that involve undefined values, specifically with tangent at odd multiples of π/2. The user successfully expanded the equations using trigonometric identities but struggles with undefined values, particularly tan(3π/2). A suggestion is made to use the sine and cosine definitions instead of the tangent subtraction formula, which fails when dealing with undefined points. This approach allows for handling the undefined values effectively. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing when standard formulas are not applicable due to undefined trigonometric values.
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Homework Statement



1. Simplify:
[sin(x-pi) / cos(pi - x)] - [tan(x-3pi/2) / -tan(pi + x)

2. Solve:
1 - tan(2x + pi/2) = 0, 0 ≤ x ≤ 2pi


Homework Equations



cos(x - y) = cosxcosy + sinxsiny

sin(x - y) = sinxcosy + cosxsiny

tan(x + y) = tanx + tany / 1-tanxtany

tan (x - y) = tanx - tany / 1 +tanxtany

The Attempt at a Solution



For 1. I managed to expand everything according to the compound angle formulas listed above. Then I used the unit circle to come up with some values, which left me with:

[-cosx / -cosx] - [tanx-tan(3pi/2) / 1 + tanxtan(3pi/2)]
alskdjaslkdjalskdjalskdjalskdj -[(0 + tanx) / 1-(0)tanx]

The problem is that I don't know what to do with tan(3pi/2) because it's undefined...
The same problem persists for 2. I expanded but I don't know what to do with the undefined values. Please help!

Thank you in advance!
 
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Your problem is that the formula $$\tan(a-b)=\frac{\tan a -\tan b}{1 + \tan a \tan b}$$doesn't work for ##a## or ##b## is an odd multiple of ##\pi/2##. Try writing$$
\tan(a-b) = \frac{\sin(a-b)}{\cos(a-b)}$$and use the addition formulas on that. That will work even when ##\pi/2## is involved.
 

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