Trigonometric Identity Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving a trigonometric identity involving sine and cosine functions. The identity in question is sinθ/(1+cosθ) = 1-cos(θ)/sinθ, which has prompted various attempts at manipulation and reasoning about the expressions involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants have attempted to manipulate the left-hand side and right-hand side of the identity using trigonometric identities and algebraic manipulation. Questions have been raised about the placement of sinθ in the numerator and the validity of the identity itself.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants questioning the correctness of the identity and others exploring different algebraic approaches. There is a recognition of differing interpretations regarding the identity's validity.

Contextual Notes

Some participants have pointed out potential errors in the manipulation steps, particularly regarding the distribution of terms and the assumptions made about the identity's structure. There is also a mention of a specific expression, 1 - cos²(θ), which may relate to the problem's resolution.

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
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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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) ?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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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