Trigonometry homework problems

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the trigonometric identity \(\frac{\frac{1}{2} \cot20^{o}-\cos10^{o}}{\frac{1}{2}+\sin10^{o}}=\frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}\). Participants suggest using product-to-sum identities to simplify the expressions, particularly noting that \(2\cos10^{o}\sin20^{o}=\frac{1}{2}+\sin10^{o}\). Additionally, they recommend rewriting the numerator and denominator in terms of sine and cosine functions to facilitate the proof. The identity \(\tan30^{o}=\cot60^{o}=\frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}\) is also highlighted as a key reference point.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically product-to-sum identities.
  • Familiarity with cotangent and cosine functions.
  • Knowledge of angle measures in degrees.
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving trigonometric functions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study product-to-sum identities in trigonometry.
  • Learn about the properties of cotangent and cosine functions.
  • Practice simplifying complex trigonometric expressions.
  • Explore additional trigonometric identities, such as \(\tan\) and \(\cot\) relationships.
USEFUL FOR

Students tackling trigonometry homework, educators teaching trigonometric identities, and anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of trigonometric proofs.

hrach87
Messages
8
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I need to prove that

\frac{\frac{1}{2} cot20^{o}-cos10^{o}}{\frac{1}{2}+sin10^{o}}=\frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}

The Attempt at a Solution



I try to do it by this way

\frac{\frac{1}{2} cot10^{o}-cos10^{o}}{\frac{1}{2}+sin10^{o}}=\frac{cos20^{o}-2cos10^{o}sin20^{o}}{(1+2sin10^{o})sin20^{o}}= \frac{ cos20^{o}-\frac{1}{2}-sin10^{o}}{(1+2sin10^{o})sin20^{o}}

Please help, it is very urgent.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org


hrach87 said:

Homework Statement


I need to prove that

\displaystyle \frac{\frac{1}{2} \cot20^{o}-\cos10^{o}}{\frac{1}{2}+\sin10^{o}}=\frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}

The Attempt at a Solution



I try to do it by this way

Note: The cot in the first expression below should have a argument of 20°, not 10°.
\displaystyle\frac{\frac{1}{2} \cot10^{o}-\cos10^{o}}{\frac{1}{2}+\sin10^{o}}=\frac{\cos20^{o}-2\cos10^{o}\sin20^{o}}{(1+2\sin10^{o})\sin20^{o}}= \frac{ \cos20^{o}-\frac{1}{2}-\sin10^{o}}{(1+2\sin10^{o})\sin20^{o}}

Please help, it is very urgent.
After taking some time, I figured out how to get that \displaystyle 2\cos10^{o}\sin20^{o}=\frac{1}{2}+\sin10^{o}\,, using a product to sum identity.

Do a similar thing to your denominator:
\displaystyle (1+2\sin10^{o})\sin20^{o}=\sin20^{o}+\sin10^{o}+ \sin30^{o}=\sin10^{o}+\sin20^{o}+\sin30^{o}​
That's also the same as cos60° + cos70° + cos80° .

Your numerator can be written as -cos60° + sin70° - cos80° or equivalently, -sin10° + cos20° - sin30° .

I don't know if any of that helps.

Also remember that \displaystyle \tan30^{o}=\cot60^{o}=\frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
714
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K