Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression tan(α) + sin(α) / (1 - cos(α)).

Solution

The given mathematical expression is:

tan(α)+sin(α)1cos(α)\tan(\alpha) + \frac{\sin(\alpha)}{1 - \cos(\alpha)}

Let’s simplify it step by step.


Step 1: Recall the trigonometric identities

  1. tan(α)=sin(α)cos(α)\tan(\alpha) = \frac{\sin(\alpha)}{\cos(\alpha)}
  2. Use the sum to simplify the entire expression.

Step 2: Rewrite tan(α)\tan(\alpha) as sin(α)cos(α)\frac{\sin(\alpha)}{\cos(\alpha)}

The expression becomes: sin(α)cos(α)+sin(α)1cos(α)\frac{\sin(\alpha)}{\cos(\alpha)} + \frac{\sin(\alpha)}{1 - \cos(\alpha)}


Step 3: Combine the two terms under a common denominator

The common denominator is cos(α)(1cos(α))\cos(\alpha)(1 - \cos(\alpha)). So, rewrite each fraction:

sin(α)cos(α)=sin(α)(1cos(α))cos(α)(1cos(α))\frac{\sin(\alpha)}{\cos(\alpha)} = \frac{\sin(\alpha)(1 - \cos(\alpha))}{\cos(\alpha)(1 - \cos(\alpha))}

sin(α)1cos(α)=sin(α)cos(α)cos(α)(1cos(α))\frac{\sin(\alpha)}{1 - \cos(\alpha)} = \frac{\sin(\alpha)\cos(\alpha)}{\cos(\alpha)(1 - \cos(\alpha))}

Adding these, we get:

sin(α)(1cos(α))+sin(α)cos(α)cos(α)(1cos(α))\frac{\sin(\alpha)(1 - \cos(\alpha)) + \sin(\alpha)\cos(\alpha)}{\cos(\alpha)(1 - \cos(\alpha))}


Step 4: Simplify the numerator

Expand and combine like terms in the numerator: sin(α)(1cos(α))+sin(α)cos(α)=sin(α)sin(α)cos(α)+sin(α)cos(α)\sin(\alpha)(1 - \cos(\alpha)) + \sin(\alpha)\cos(\alpha) = \sin(\alpha) - \sin(\alpha)\cos(\alpha) + \sin(\alpha)\cos(\alpha)

Notice that sin(α)cos(α)+sin(α)cos(α)-\sin(\alpha)\cos(\alpha) + \sin(\alpha)\cos(\alpha) cancels out. This leaves:

sin(α)\sin(\alpha)

So the expression becomes:

sin(α)cos(α)(1cos(α))\frac{\sin(\alpha)}{\cos(\alpha)(1 - \cos(\alpha))}


Final Simplified Expression:

The simplified expression is:

sin(α)cos(α)(1cos(α))\frac{\sin(\alpha)}{\cos(\alpha)(1 - \cos(\alpha))}

Let me know if you would like further clarification or help!


Related Questions:

  1. What is the significance of trigonometric identities in simplifying expressions?
  2. How does combining fractions work when using common denominators in trigonometry?
  3. Can this expression be evaluated for specific angles like α=45\alpha = 45^\circ or α=30\alpha = 30^\circ?
  4. What happens when cos(α)=1\cos(\alpha) = 1 in this expression? Is it undefined?
  5. How would the solution differ if tan(α)\tan(\alpha) had a coefficient, e.g., 2tan(α)2\tan(\alpha)?

Tip:

Always look for opportunities to apply fundamental identities, like tan(x)=sin(x)cos(x)\tan(x) = \frac{\sin(x)}{\cos(x)}, to simplify trigonometric expressions!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Simplifying Expressions

Formulas

tan(α) = sin(α) / cos(α)
Common denominator for fractions

Theorems

Trigonometric Identities
Basic Fraction Operations

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12