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    MCRFlyleaf6's Avatar
    MCRFlyleaf6 Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Nov 23, 2008, 12:53 PM
    A few trig identities I can't understand
    I really need to get these identities right so I can make up for the test I just faile on this stuff. I have 3 questions I am stuck on:

    simplify: cot(x) + tan(x)


    verify: sec^4(x) -1= tan^4(x) + 2tan^2(x)


    simplify: 1-cos(x)
    sec(x)-1


    If you can help I really appreciate it!! I can use all the help I can get
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    MCRFlyleaf6 Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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    #2

    Nov 23, 2008, 01:03 PM

    I think I may have the 1st one up there but Im not quite sure if it's the simplest form or even if I'm approaching it right, I have:

    cotx + tanx substitute cot and tan for sin and cos
    cosx/sinx + sinx/cosx then make a common denominator

    (cosx/cosx)x(cosx/sinx) + (sinx/cosx)x(sinx/sinx) then combine everything

    (cos^2x)/(cosxsinx) + (sin^2x)/(cosxsinx)
    simplify

    (cos^2x + sin^2s)/cosxsinx then you can use a pythagorean identity

    and I end up with:
    1/ cosxsinx
    galactus's Avatar
    galactus Posts: 2,271, Reputation: 282
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    #3

    Nov 23, 2008, 01:12 PM
    verify:

    This one isn't bad if you use the identity





    Now, expand out and see what you get. I bet it's the right side.:)
    galactus's Avatar
    galactus Posts: 2,271, Reputation: 282
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    #4

    Nov 23, 2008, 01:13 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by MCRFlyleaf6 View Post
    I think I may have the 1st one up there but Im not quite sure if its the simplest form or even if im approaching it right, I have:

    cotx + tanx substitute cot and tan for sin and cos
    cosx/sinx + sinx/cosx then make a common denominator

    (cosx/cosx)x(cosx/sinx) + (sinx/cosx)x(sinx/sinx) then combine everything

    (cos^2x)/(cosxsinx) + (sin^2x)/(cosxsinx)
    simplify

    (cos^2x + sin^2s)/cosxsinx then you can use a pythagorean identity

    and I end up with:
    1/ cosxsinx
    That looks good to me. :D

    You could also note that

    That gives
    galactus's Avatar
    galactus Posts: 2,271, Reputation: 282
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    #5

    Nov 23, 2008, 01:17 PM
    simplify:


    If you can help I really appreciate it!! I can use all the help I can get
    For this one, convert the sec to 1/cos and simplify. .

    Do the algebra and it whittles down to something very simple.

    Let me know if you remain stuck.
    Unknown008's Avatar
    Unknown008 Posts: 8,076, Reputation: 723
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    #6

    Nov 26, 2008, 02:35 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by galactus View Post
    That looks good to me. :D

    You could also note that

    That gives
    Hey! But if I was given that question... could I instead put in cosec(x)sec(x) ?
    That seems easier for my level. I've not yet worked with coefficients in front of the x in trigonometry...

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