Math Problem Statement

cot^2 theta ( 1 + tan^2 theta)

Solution

The expression you're asking about is:

cot2θ(1+tan2θ)\cot^2 \theta \left( 1 + \tan^2 \theta \right)

To simplify this, let's use some trigonometric identities:

  1. Pythagorean identity: 1+tan2θ=sec2θ1 + \tan^2 \theta = \sec^2 \theta

Substituting this into the given expression:

cot2θsec2θ\cot^2 \theta \cdot \sec^2 \theta

Next, recall the identity for cotangent and secant in terms of sine and cosine:

cotθ=cosθsinθ,secθ=1cosθ\cot \theta = \frac{\cos \theta}{\sin \theta}, \quad \sec \theta = \frac{1}{\cos \theta}

Thus:

cot2θ=cos2θsin2θ,sec2θ=1cos2θ\cot^2 \theta = \frac{\cos^2 \theta}{\sin^2 \theta}, \quad \sec^2 \theta = \frac{1}{\cos^2 \theta}

Substituting these into the expression:

cos2θsin2θ1cos2θ\frac{\cos^2 \theta}{\sin^2 \theta} \cdot \frac{1}{\cos^2 \theta}

The cos2θ\cos^2 \theta terms cancel out, leaving:

1sin2θ\frac{1}{\sin^2 \theta}

Which is:

csc2θ\csc^2 \theta

So, the simplified form of your expression is:

csc2θ\csc^2 \theta

Would you like more details on this, or do you have any questions?

Here are five related questions you might find interesting:

  1. How do the identities for cotangent and secant help in simplifying trigonometric expressions?
  2. What are other ways to prove the identity 1+tan2θ=sec2θ1 + \tan^2 \theta = \sec^2 \theta?
  3. Can this method be applied to other trigonometric identities?
  4. How do you convert between sine, cosine, and other trigonometric functions?
  5. What are some practical applications of trigonometric identities in physics or engineering?

Tip: When simplifying trigonometric expressions, always consider using the fundamental identities (like the Pythagorean identities) to reduce the complexity.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Trigonometric Identities
Simplification

Formulas

1 + tan^2(θ) = sec^2(θ)
cot(θ) = cos(θ) / sin(θ)
sec(θ) = 1 / cos(θ)
csc(θ) = 1 / sin(θ)

Theorems

Pythagorean Identity

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12