Why Do Fundamental Trig Identities Confuse Me?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the trigonometric identity involving tangent and secant functions: tan(x)/(1 + sec(x)) + (1 + sec(x))/tan(x) = 2csc(x). The user expresses confusion while attempting to manipulate the equation and seeks guidance on using LaTeX for better clarity in posting mathematical expressions. A suggestion is made to multiply the numerator and denominator of the first term by 1 - sec(x) to simplify the proof process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fundamental trigonometric identities
  • Familiarity with LaTeX for formatting mathematical expressions
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
  • Knowledge of secant and cosecant functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to use LaTeX for mathematical typesetting
  • Study the derivation of fundamental trigonometric identities
  • Practice algebraic manipulation of trigonometric equations
  • Explore advanced trigonometric functions and their properties
USEFUL FOR

Students struggling with trigonometric identities, educators teaching trigonometry, and anyone looking to improve their mathematical expression formatting skills using LaTeX.

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I just don't get this stuff. I've been trying on my own with the book. Also, is there a better way to post this?

Homework Statement


tanx 1 + secx
_________ + _________ = 2csc x
1 + secx tanx
I need to prove that this side equals the other.

Homework Equations



http://users.rcn.com/mwhitney.massed/trigresources/trig-reference.html
^^The reference I was using.

The Attempt at a Solution


tanx(tanx) 1 + secx(1 + secx)
_________ + _________ = 2csc x
1 + secx(tanx) tanx(1 + secx)
tan2 x 1 + 2secx + sec2x
________________ + _________________
1 + secx(tanx) (tanx)1 + secx
tan2x + 1 + 2secx + sec2x
_________________________
1 + cos 1/x(tanx)sec2x + 2cos 1/x + sec2x
_________________________
1 + cos 1/x(tanx)

This is as far as I get before I get lost.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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First look at https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=8997"thread to learn how to use LaTex. With that you can do this:

[tex]\frac { \tan x } { 1 + \sec x} + \frac {1 + \sec x} {\tan x} = 2 \csc x[/tex]

Now, try multipling the top and bottom of the first term on the left by [tex]1 - \sec x[/tex]

BTW: Just click on my equations to see what I typed to produce them.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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