Math Problem Statement

Prove the identity sin(x)(tan(x) + cot(x)) = sec(x).

Solution

Let's walk through the steps needed to complete this proof for the identity sin(x)(tan(x)+cot(x))=sec(x)\sin(x)(\tan(x) + \cot(x)) = \sec(x).

  1. Distribute:
    sin(x)(tan(x)+cot(x))=sin(x)tan(x)+sin(x)cot(x)\sin(x)(\tan(x) + \cot(x)) = \sin(x) \cdot \tan(x) + \sin(x) \cdot \cot(x)

  2. Use quotient identities:

    • tan(x)=sin(x)cos(x)\tan(x) = \frac{\sin(x)}{\cos(x)}
    • cot(x)=cos(x)sin(x)\cot(x) = \frac{\cos(x)}{\sin(x)}

    Substituting these into the equation: sin(x)sin(x)cos(x)+sin(x)cos(x)sin(x)\sin(x) \cdot \frac{\sin(x)}{\cos(x)} + \sin(x) \cdot \frac{\cos(x)}{\sin(x)}

  3. Simplify both fractions:

    • sin(x)sin(x)cos(x)=sin2(x)cos(x)\sin(x) \cdot \frac{\sin(x)}{\cos(x)} = \frac{\sin^2(x)}{\cos(x)}
    • sin(x)cos(x)sin(x)=cos(x)\sin(x) \cdot \frac{\cos(x)}{\sin(x)} = \cos(x)

    So now we have: sin2(x)cos(x)+cos(x)\frac{\sin^2(x)}{\cos(x)} + \cos(x)

  4. Get a common denominator and write as a single fraction:

    • Rewrite cos(x)\cos(x) as cos2(x)cos(x)\frac{\cos^2(x)}{\cos(x)} to have a common denominator.
    • Now we have: sin2(x)+cos2(x)cos(x)\frac{\sin^2(x) + \cos^2(x)}{\cos(x)}
  5. Use the Pythagorean identity:

    • sin2(x)+cos2(x)=1\sin^2(x) + \cos^2(x) = 1

    So the expression becomes: 1cos(x)\frac{1}{\cos(x)}

  6. Use the reciprocal identity:

    • 1cos(x)=sec(x)\frac{1}{\cos(x)} = \sec(x)
  7. Conclusion:

    • Therefore, we have proven that: sin(x)(tan(x)+cot(x))=sec(x)\sin(x)(\tan(x) + \cot(x)) = \sec(x)

Would you like more details or have any questions on any of these steps?

Here are 5 related questions for further practice:

  1. How would you prove the identity sin(x)(cot(x)+tan(x))=csc(x)\sin(x)(\cot(x) + \tan(x)) = \csc(x)?
  2. What is the reciprocal identity for sec(x)\sec(x)?
  3. How does the Pythagorean identity sin2(x)+cos2(x)=1\sin^2(x) + \cos^2(x) = 1 simplify other trigonometric expressions?
  4. Can you derive tan(x)\tan(x) and cot(x)\cot(x) using only sine and cosine?
  5. How do common denominators help in simplifying trigonometric expressions?

Tip: Always look out for common trigonometric identities like sin2(x)+cos2(x)=1\sin^2(x) + \cos^2(x) = 1 when simplifying complex expressions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometric Identities
Simplification
Proof

Formulas

tan(x) = sin(x) / cos(x)
cot(x) = cos(x) / sin(x)
Pythagorean Identity: sin^2(x) + cos^2(x) = 1
Reciprocal Identity: sec(x) = 1 / cos(x)

Theorems

Pythagorean Identity
Reciprocal Identities

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12