Trigonometric Identity Problems

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around trigonometric identity problems, specifically focusing on equations involving secant, tangent, and cotangent functions. Participants are exploring various identities and their manipulations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants raise questions about the clarity of the equations presented, particularly regarding the placement of parentheses. There is a suggestion to use known identities, such as the definition of secant and the identity for tan(A+B), to aid in solving the problems. Some participants also discuss rewriting functions in terms of sine and cosine.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing guidance on how to approach the problems. There is a mix of interpretations being explored, particularly regarding the first equation's structure. Some participants have attempted to clarify the original poster's intent and suggest methods for simplification.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of ambiguity in the original equations due to missing parentheses, which may affect the interpretation of the problems. Additionally, some participants have noted the importance of verifying identities and the definitions of trigonometric functions.

krystalanderson
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Can anyone help me solve the following problems?

sec theta -1/1-cos theta = sec theta

tan (pie/2 - theta) tan theta =1

Thanks
 
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Your first equation is ambiguous. Could you please add appropriate brackets so we know where the fraction is?

For the second one, do you know the identity for tan(A+B)?

Because that would be a good place to start.
 
For the second, use the definition of the tangent function.

Daniel.
 
Robert R's point is that it is not clear whether you mean sec theta -1/(1-cos theta) = sec theta or (sec theta -1)/(1- cos theta). What is the DEFINITION of sec theta? Then try multiplying both sides of the equation by cos theta.
 
Krystal i think you meant:

for question 1

[sec(theta) - 1] / [1 - cos(theta)] = sec(theta)

if you did then:
try writing sec(theta) as 1/cos(theta)
then make a common denominator for: 1/cos(theta) -1
and continue from there
 
I have a problem that I cannot get past step one; the problem is verifying the identity:

cos2x(1+cot^2x) = csc^2 - 2 ?

I know that [1 + cot^2x] = [csc^2x]

Thanks for all the help.
 
nevermind...i got the answer...it was:

(1-2sin^2 x)/sin^2 x = (1-2sin^2 x)/sin^2 x
 
can anyone help me to solve this problem?
(tanѲ/1-cotѲ)+(cotѲ/1-tanѲ)=1+secѲcscѲ
 
bomb said:
can anyone help me to solve this problem?
(tanѲ/1-cotѲ)+(cotѲ/1-tanѲ)=1+secѲcscѲ

You have posted this on a 4 year old thread.

You may get more help, if you start a new thread and post it there.
 
  • #10
trigonometric solver

(tanѲ/1-cotѲ)+(cotѲ/1-tanѲ)=1+secѲcscѲ
 
  • #11
Without the proper placement of parentheses, or other grouping symbols, what you have written is equivalent to: [itex]\displaystyle \left(\frac{\tan\theta}{1}-\cot\theta\right)+\left(\frac{\cot\theta}{1}-\tan\theta\right)=1+\sec\theta\,\csc\theta\,.[/itex]

Perhaps you meant: (tanθ/{1-cotθ})+(cotθ/(1-tanθ))=1+secθcscθ, which is the same as: [itex]\displaystyle \left(\frac{\tan\theta}{1-\cot\theta}\right)+\left(\frac{\cot\theta}{1-\tan\theta}\right)=1+\sec\theta\,\csc\theta\,.[/itex]
 
  • #12
To show that [itex]\displaystyle \left(\frac{\tan\theta}{1-\cot\theta}\right)+\left(\frac{\cot\theta}{1-\tan\theta}\right)=1+\sec\theta\,\csc\theta\,[/itex] is an identity, I suggest writing the tangent & cotangent functions in terms of sine & cosine.
 

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