verifying trigonometric identities what is an identity? an identity is a statement that two...
TRANSCRIPT
Verifying Trigonometric
Identities
What is an Identity?
An identity is a statement that two expressions are equal for every value of the variable.Examples:
xxx 2
The left-hand expression always equals the right-hand expression, no matter what x equals.
The fundamental IdentitiesReciprocal Identities Quotient Identities
xx
xSecx
xx
tan
1cot
cos
1sin
1csc
x
xx
x
xx
sin
coscot
cos
sintan
The beauty of the identities is that we can get all functions in terms of sine and
cosine.
The Fundamental IdentitiesIdentities for Negatives
xx
xx
xx
tan)tan(
)cos()cos(
sin)sin(
The Fundamental Identities
xx
xx
xx
22
22
22
csccot1
sec1tan
1cossin
Pythagorean Identities
The only unique Identity here is the top one, the other two can be obtained using the top
identity.
X
Variations of Identities using Arithmetic
Variations of these Identities
xx
xx22
22
sincos1
cossin1
We can create different versions of many of these identities by using arithmetic.
Let’s look at some examples!
Verifying Trigonometric
Identities
Now we continue on our journey!
An Identity is Not a Conditional Equation
Conditional equations are true only for some values of the variable.
You learned to solve conditional equations in Algebra by “balancing steps,” such as adding the same thing to both sides, or taking the square root of both sides.
We are not “solving” identities so we must approach identities differently.
22
4
82
912
2
2
2
xorx
x
x
x
We Verify (or Prove) Identities by doing the following: Work with one side at a time. We want both sides to be exactly the
same. Start with either side Use algebraic manipulations and/or the
basic trigonometric identities until you have the same expression as on the other side.
Example:xxx cossincot
x
xx
x
xx
cos
sinsin
cos
sincot LHS
and xcos RHS
Since both sides are the same, the identity is verified.
Change everything on both sides tosine and cosine.
Suggestions Start with the more complicated side Try substituting basic identities (changing all
functions to be in terms of sine and cosine may make things easier)
Try algebra: factor, multiply, add, simplify, split up fractions
If you’re really stuck make sure to:
Remember to: Work with only one side at a time!
xx
x
xx
cotsin
1cos
csccos RHS
22 sincoscosecsin Establish the following identity:
In establishing an identity you should NOT move things from one side of the equal sign to the other. Instead substitute using identities you know and simplifying on one side or the other side or both until both sides match.
22 sincoscosecsin Let's sub in here using reciprocal identity
22 sincossin
1sin
22 sincos1
We often use the Pythagorean Identities solved for either sin2 or cos2.
sin2 + cos2 = 1 solved for sin2 is sin2 = 1 - cos2 which is our left-hand side so we can substitute.
22 sinsin
We are done! We've shown the LHS equals the
RHS
cos1
sincotcosec
Establish the following identity:
Let's sub in here using reciprocal identity and quotient identity
Another trick if the denominator is two terms with one term a 1 and the other a sine or cosine, multiply top and bottom of the fraction by the conjugate and then you'll be able to use the Pythagorean Identity on the bottom
We worked on LHS and then RHS but never moved things
across the = sign
cos1
sincotcosec
cos1
sin
sin
cos
sin
1
cos1
sin
sin
cos1
combine fractions
cos1
cos1
cos1
sin
sin
cos1
2cos1
cos1sin
sin
cos1
FOIL denominator
2sin
cos1sin
sin
cos1
sin
cos1
sin
cos1
How to get proficient at verifying identities: Once you have solved an identity go back
to it, redo the verification without looking at how you did it before, this will make you more comfortable with the steps you should take.
Redo the examples done in class using the same approach, this will help you build confidence in your instincts!
Don’t Get Discouraged! Every identity is different Keep trying different approaches The more you practice, the easier it will be
to figure out efficient techniques If a solution eludes you at first, sleep on it!
Try again the next day. Don’t give up! You will succeed!
Establish the identity
Establish the identity
Establish the identity
Homework
14.3 pg 780 #’s 25-28 all, 29-35 odd
AcknowledgementsThis presentation was made possible by
training and equipment from a Merced College Access to Technology grant.
Thank you to Marguerite Smith for the template for some of the slides.