Trigonometry identities and equations

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on simplifying the expression 2sec²x - 2sec²xsin²x - sin²x - cos²x using trigonometric identities. The relevant identities include secA = 1/cosA and sin²A + cos²A = 1. The simplification process reveals that the expression can be rewritten as 2sec²x(cos²x) - sin²x - cos²x. Participants suggest leveraging the identity sin²x + cos²x = 1 to further simplify the expression.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric identities, specifically secant and cosine functions.
  • Familiarity with the Pythagorean identity sin²A + cos²A = 1.
  • Knowledge of how to manipulate algebraic expressions involving trigonometric functions.
  • Basic skills in simplifying mathematical expressions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the Pythagorean identities in trigonometry.
  • Learn how to simplify complex trigonometric expressions using identities.
  • Explore the relationship between secant and cosine functions in detail.
  • Practice solving trigonometric equations that involve multiple identities.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying trigonometry, mathematics educators, and anyone looking to enhance their skills in simplifying trigonometric expressions and equations.

wei1006
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1) Question statement:
Simplify 2sec^2x-2sec^2xsin^2x-sin^2x-cos^2x

2)Relevant equations:
tan A=sinA/cos A
1+tan^2A=sec^A
cot A=1/tanA
cot A=cos A/sinA
sin^2A+cos^2A=1
secA=1/cos A
cosecA=1/sinA
1+cosec^2A= cot^2A
sin2A=2sinAcosA
cos2A=1-2sin^2A=cos^2A-sin^2A=2cos^A-1
tan2A=(2tanA)/1-tan^2A

3) Attempt:
2sec^2x-2sec^2xsin^2x-sin^2x-cos^2x
= 2sec^2x(1-sin^2x)-sin^2x-cos^2x
= 2sec^2x(cos^2x)-sin^2x-cos^2x

I am stuck after this... Will be helpful if some clues are provided. Thank you!
 
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wei1006 said:
1) Question statement:
Simplify 2sec^2x-2sec^2xsin^2x-sin^2x-cos^2x

2)Relevant equations:
tan A=sinA/cos A
1+tan^2A=sec^A
cot A=1/tanA
cot A=cos A/sinA
sin^2A+cos^2A=1
secA=1/cos A
cosecA=1/sinA
1+cosec^2A= cot^2A
sin2A=2sinAcosA
cos2A=1-2sin^2A=cos^2A-sin^2A=2cos^A-1
tan2A=(2tanA)/1-tan^2A

3) Attempt:
2sec^2x-2sec^2xsin^2x-sin^2x-cos^2x
= 2sec^2x(1-sin^2x)-sin^2x-cos^2x
= 2sec^2x(cos^2x)-sin^2x-cos^2x

I am stuck after this... Will be helpful if some clues are provided. Thank you!

Use that sec(x)=1/cos(x).
 
Also, at the end you have: (... -sin^2x - cos^2x) . What could you do with that?
 

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