Trigonometric Identity Problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around proving the trigonometric identity sinθ/(1+cosθ) = (1-cosθ)/sinθ. Participants analyze various transformations and manipulations of the equation, utilizing fundamental trigonometric identities like sin²θ + cos²θ = 1 and the definition of tangent. There is confusion regarding the correct form of the identity, with one participant asserting that sinθ/(1+cosθ) is not an identity, while the correct form is (1-cosθ)/sinθ. The conversation highlights the importance of correctly factoring and simplifying expressions in trigonometric proofs. Ultimately, the participants agree on the necessity of clarifying the identity to avoid misunderstandings.
KingKai
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Homework Statement


Prove the Identity

sinθ/(1+cosθ) = 1-cos(θ)/sinθ



Homework Equations



sinθ/cosθ = tanθ

sin^2θ + cos^2θ = 1

The Attempt at a Solution




sinθ/(1 + cosθ) = LS

cosθtanθ/(1+cosθ) = LS

cosθtanθ/(sin^2θ + cos^2θ + cosθ) = LS

cosθtanθ/(tan^2θcos^2θ + cos^2θ + cosθ) = LS

(cosθ/cosθ) (tanθ/[tan^2θcosθ + cosθ + 1]) = LS

sinθ/(cosθ[tan^2θcosθ + cosθ + 1]) = LS

sinθ/(sin^2θ + cos^2θ +1) = LS

sinθ/2 = LS
 
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KingKai said:

Homework Statement


Prove the Identity

sinθ/(1+cosθ) = 1-cos(θ)/sinθ

Homework Equations



sinθ/cosθ = tanθ

sin^2θ + cos^2θ = 1

The Attempt at a Solution



sinθ/(1 + cosθ) = LS

cosθtanθ/(1+cosθ) = LS

cosθtanθ/(sin^2θ + cos^2θ + cosθ) = LS

cosθtanθ/(tan^2θcos^2θ + cos^2θ + cosθ) = LS

(cosθ/cosθ) (tanθ/[tan^2θcosθ + cosθ + 1]) = LS
The above line should be: \displaystyle \frac{\cos(\theta)}{\cos(\theta)}\left(<br /> \frac{\sin(\theta)}{\tan^2(\theta)\cos(\theta) + \cos(\theta) + 1}\right)
sinθ/(cosθ[tan^2θcosθ + cosθ + 1]) = LS

sinθ/(sin^2θ + cos^2θ +1) = LS

sinθ/2 = LS
What is  1 - cos2(θ) ?

How can you make the denominator of LHS or numerator of RHS equal to  1 - cos2(θ) ?
 
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why should sinθ be in the numerator?

I factored out (cosθ/cosθ), where the numerator was initially

cosθtanθ

thus leaving me with tanθ instead of sinθ in the numerator.
 
KingKai said:
why should sinθ be in the numerator?

I factored out (cosθ/cosθ), where the numerator was initially

cosθtanθ

thus leaving me with tanθ instead of sinθ in the numerator.
\displaystyle \cos(\theta)\tan(\theta)=\cos(\theta)\frac{\sin( \theta)}{\cos(\theta)}
\displaystyle =\frac{\cos(\theta)\,\sin(\theta)}{\cos(\theta)}

\displaystyle =\sin(\theta)​
 
KingKai said:
sinθ/(cosθ[tan^2θcosθ + cosθ + 1]) = LS

sinθ/(sin^2θ + cos^2θ +1) = LS

sinθ/2 = LS

In those steps you didn't distribute the cos back to the 1.
 
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KingKai said:

Homework Statement


Prove the Identity

sinθ/(1+cosθ) = 1-cos(θ)/sinθ

It is not an identity. sinθ/(1+cosθ) = (1-cos(θ))/sinθ is.

ehild
 
ehild said:
It is not an identity. sinθ/(1+cosθ) = (1-cos(θ))/sinθ is.

ehild
Good point !
 
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