# Trigonometric identities hard question need help

## Homework Statement

Simplify the following:
sin(b)/cos(b) + cos(b)/sin(b)

## Homework Equations

Trigonometric identities

## The Attempt at a Solution

Ok so i have no clue how to do this,I keep trying but can't seem to get the right answer, I have tried to do this:

sin(b)/cos(b) + cos(b)/sin(b)
=tan(b)+ 1/tan(b)
=tan(b)+cot(b)

I know this isn't right and I am encountering these types of questions quite often now, so I really need help. Please help me.

SammyS
Staff Emeritus
Homework Helper
Gold Member

## Homework Statement

Simplify the following:
sin(b)/cos(b) + cos(b)/sin(b)

## Homework Equations

Trigonometric identities

## The Attempt at a Solution

Ok so i have no clue how to do this,I keep trying but can't seem to get the right answer, I have tried to do this:

sin(b)/cos(b) + cos(b)/sin(b)
=tan(b)+ 1/tan(b)
=tan(b)+cot(b)

I know this isn't right and I am encountering these types of questions quite often now, so I really need help. Please help me.
Well, it is true that sin(b)/cos(b) + cos(b)/sin(b) = tan(b) + cot(b) , but you probably need to come up with something more surprising.

Use a common denominator to combine sin(b)/cos(b) + cos(b)/sin(b) into one fraction. Yo may be surprised by what the numerator simplifies to.

yeah I know it's just that the answer is 1/cos(b)sin(b). How would I get to this?

SammyS
Staff Emeritus