Trigonometric identities transformation last one

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around transforming a trigonometric identity involving tangent and secant functions. Participants are exploring methods to manipulate the left-hand side of the identity into the right-hand side, focusing on algebraic transformations and the application of trigonometric identities.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to transform the left-hand side of the identity into the right-hand side without clear guidance on how to proceed.
  • Another participant suggests multiplying the left-hand side by the conjugate of the right-hand side and vice versa, aiming to simplify the denominators.
  • A further response clarifies that the multiplication should be applied to both the numerator and denominator of each side, emphasizing not to expand the numerator afterward.
  • One participant shares their experience of proving trigonometric identities by transforming one side into the other using basic identities, proposing a specific multiplication strategy involving both tangent and secant functions.
  • Another participant mentions a Pythagorean identity that relates tangent and secant, suggesting its application to simplify the expression further.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on a single method to transform the identity, as participants propose different approaches and techniques. The discussion remains exploratory with multiple suggestions and no definitive resolution.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on various trigonometric identities and algebraic manipulations, but the discussion does not resolve the specific steps required to achieve the transformation.

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Transform the left hand member into the right hand member.

$\frac{\tan\alpha+\tan\beta}{\sec\alpha-\sec\beta}=\frac{\sec\alpha+\sec\beta}{\tan\alpha-\tan\beta}$By using cross multiplication I was able to prove this identity but what I actually want to accomplush is to transform the left member to the right member and that I have no clue on. I need some help here.

Thanks!
 
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Hi (Wave),

On the LHS, multiply by the conjugate $\sec\alpha+\sec\beta$ and on the RHS, multiply by the conjugate $\tan\alpha+\tan\beta$. Without expanding anything, see if you can simplify their denominators so that they are the same.
 
Rido12 said:
Hi (Wave),

On the LHS, multiply by the conjugate $\sec\alpha+\sec\beta$ and on the RHS, multiply by the conjugate $\tan\alpha+\tan\beta$. Without expanding anything, see if you can simplify their denominators so that they are the same.

Did you mean multiply the conjugate by the numerator and denominator of both members?
 
Yep. Multiply the LHS numerator and denominator by $\sec\alpha+\sec\beta$, and similarly, in the RHS, multiply numerator and denominator by $\tan\alpha+\tan\beta$. Don't expand the numerator after that, and factor the denominator via difference of squares.
 
When I was a student, proving trig. identities meant taking the left side, and through the use of certain basic identities, transforming the left side into the right.

$$\frac{\tan\alpha+\tan\beta}{\sec\alpha-\sec\beta}$$

I think you are off to a good start by trying:

$$\frac{\tan\alpha+\tan\beta}{\sec\alpha-\sec\beta}\cdot\frac{\tan\alpha-\tan\beta}{\tan\alpha-\tan\beta}\cdot\frac{\sec\alpha+\sec\beta}{\sec\alpha+\sec\beta}$$

You should then write it in the form:

$$\frac{\tan^2\alpha-\tan^2\beta}{\sec^2\alpha-\sec^2\beta}\cdot\frac{\sec\alpha+\sec\beta}{\tan\alpha-\tan\beta}$$

Now, on the first factor, apply a Pythagorean identity to either the numerator or denominator...
 
MarkFL said:
When I was a student, proving trig. identities meant taking the left side, and through the use of certain basic identities, transforming the left side into the right.

Or rather, taking EITHER side, and through the use of certain basic identities, transforming that side into the OTHER side...
 
You can use that

$$\tan^2(\alpha) - \sec^2 (\alpha) = -1,$$

$$\tan^2(\beta) - \sec^2(\beta) = -1,$$

therefore

$$\tan^2(\alpha) - \sec^2(\alpha) = \tan^2(\beta) - \sec^2(\beta).$$

Can you take it from here?

:)
 

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