Trig Equations With Undefined Values

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on simplifying and solving trigonometric equations involving undefined values, specifically in the context of the expressions [sin(x-pi) / cos(pi - x)] and [tan(x-3pi/2) / -tan(pi + x)]. The user encountered difficulties with undefined values, particularly with tan(3pi/2) and tan(2x + pi/2). The solution provided emphasizes using the sine and cosine definitions instead of the tangent subtraction formula when dealing with odd multiples of pi/2, ensuring accurate results even with undefined values.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically compound angle formulas.
  • Familiarity with the unit circle and its application in trigonometry.
  • Knowledge of the behavior of tangent at odd multiples of pi/2.
  • Ability to manipulate trigonometric expressions and equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the sine and cosine addition formulas.
  • Learn how to handle undefined values in trigonometric functions.
  • Explore the implications of odd multiples of pi/2 on trigonometric identities.
  • Practice solving trigonometric equations with undefined values using alternative methods.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying trigonometry, educators teaching trigonometric identities, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of handling undefined values in trigonometric equations.

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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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