Trig Identity Theory: Show $\tan\left({\theta}\right)=\frac{q-p}{2\sqrt{qp}}$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around demonstrating the trigonometric identity $\tan\left({\theta}\right)=\frac{q-p}{2\sqrt{qp}}$ given the condition $\sin\left({\theta}\right)=\frac{\left(p-q\right)}{\left(p+q\right)}$ for angles in the range $90^o<\theta<180^o$ with $p>q$. Participants explore various methods to derive this identity, including algebraic manipulations, geometric interpretations, and the use of trigonometric identities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest starting with the given sine identity to derive cosine and subsequently tangent, noting the need to consider the quadrant for sign determination.
  • Others propose using the Pythagorean identity to express cotangent in terms of cosecant and then derive tangent from that.
  • A geometric approach is mentioned, constructing a right triangle to visualize the relationship between the sides and angles.
  • One participant points out the importance of correctly identifying the sides of the triangle in relation to the trigonometric functions.
  • Another participant provides a derivation of cotangent and tangent using algebraic manipulation, emphasizing the negative sign in the second quadrant.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the clarity of the methods, suggesting that visualizing the triangle may aid understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method to demonstrate the identity. Multiple approaches are proposed, and while some methods are favored, others are considered more complex or less clear.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the dependence on the quadrant for determining the signs of trigonometric functions and the potential confusion arising from the terminology used to describe triangle sides.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and enthusiasts of trigonometry looking to explore different methods of deriving trigonometric identities and understanding the relationships between angles and triangle dimensions.

karush
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If $\sin\left({\theta}\right)=\frac{\left(p-q\right)}{\left(p+q\right)}$

And $p$ and $q$ are $90^o<\theta<180^o$ and $p>q$

Show that $\tan\left({\theta}\right)=\frac{q-p}{2\sqrt{qp}}$

I tried using $q=\frac{2\pi}{3 }$ and $p=\frac{5\pi}{6}$

But not...

To do this but theory I'm clueless
 
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karush said:
If $\sin\left({\theta}\right)=\frac{\left(p-q\right)}{\left(p+q\right)}$

And $p$ and $q$ are $90^o<\theta<180^o$ and $p>q$

Show that $\tan\left({\theta}\right)=\frac{q-p}{2\sqrt{qp}}$

I tried using $q=\frac{2\pi}{3 }$ and $p=\frac{5\pi}{6}$

But not...

To do this but theory I'm clueless

$q=\frac{2\pi}{3 }$ and $p=\frac{5\pi}{6}$ cannot be taken as these I presume you are taking angles but these should be values
you know $\sin \theta$
from this u can evaluate $\cos \theta$
because it is related to square root u get 2 values
because cos is -ve in second qudrant take -ve value
devide and get result

$\sin\left({\theta}\right)=\frac{\left(p-q\right)}{\left(p+q\right)}$

$\cos(\theta) = \sqrt{1-(\frac{\left(p-q\right)}{\left(p+q\right)})^2}$
or $\cos^2(\theta) =\frac{(p+q)^2 -(p-q)^2}{(p-q)^2}= \frac{4pq}{((p-q)^2}$
you should be able to proceed
 
Last edited:
Another way to go would be to begin with the Pythagorean identity:

$$\cot^2(\theta)=\csc^2(\theta)-1$$

From this you can solve for $\cot(\theta)$ since you know $$\csc(\theta)\equiv\frac{1}{\sin(\theta)}$$ and bearing in mind which quadrant $\theta$ is in when you take the square root. Then use $$\tan(\theta)\equiv\frac{1}{\cot(\theta)}$$. :)
 
... or you could proceed geometrically: construct a right-angled triangle with opposite side p - q and hypotenuse p + q. Then use the Pythagorean theorem to calculate the adjacent side and recall that the tangent is negative over the given interval.
 
The triangle worked for me
$$\sin\left({\theta}\right)=\frac{p-q}{p+q}=\frac{o} {h} $$

Therefore
$$\cos\left({\theta}\right)=-\sqrt{\left(p+q\right)^2 - \left(p-q\right)^2}=-2\sqrt{pq}$$

So (the sign is given by the quadrant)

$$\tan\left({\theta}\right)=\frac{o}{-a}=\frac{q-p}{2\sqrt{qp}}$$

Kinda messy but..
 
Last edited:
$$\cos\theta=\dfrac{2\sqrt{pq}}{p+q}\text{ for }0^\circ<\theta<90^\circ$$, but you don't need that.

$$\tan\theta=\dfrac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}}=\dfrac{p-q}{2\sqrt{pq}}\text{ for }0^\circ<\theta<90^\circ$$. For $$90^\circ<\theta<180^\circ$$, $\tan\theta=\dfrac{q-p}{2\sqrt{pq}}$.

I suggest making an effort to understand the other two methods given. :)
 
OK, I should of called it adjacent side not $\cos\left({\theta}\right)$

The other suggestions seemed harder..
 
karush said:
OK, I should of called it adjacent side not $\cos\left({\theta}\right)$

The other suggestions seemed harder..

Using the method I suggested, we have:

$$\cot^2(\theta)=\left(\frac{p+q}{p-q}\right)^2-1=\frac{4pq}{(p-q)^2}$$

Since the cotangent function is negative in quadrant II, we take:

$$\cot(\theta)=\frac{2\sqrt{pq}}{q-p}$$

Thus:

$$\tan(\theta)=\frac{q-p}{2\sqrt{pq}}$$
 
In method that probably is easier. But it's hard to see what's going on without a triangle.
 

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