Math Problem Statement

(sec(theta)-cos(theta))/sin(theta)

Solution

We can simplify the expression sec(θ)cos(θ)sin(θ)\frac{\sec(\theta) - \cos(\theta)}{\sin(\theta)} as follows:

  1. Recall the identity for secant: sec(θ)=1cos(θ)\sec(\theta) = \frac{1}{\cos(\theta)}

  2. Substitute this into the original expression: 1cos(θ)cos(θ)sin(θ)\frac{\frac{1}{\cos(\theta)} - \cos(\theta)}{\sin(\theta)}

  3. Simplify the numerator: 1cos2(θ)cos(θ)\frac{1 - \cos^2(\theta)}{\cos(\theta)}

  4. Use the Pythagorean identity: 1cos2(θ)=sin2(θ)1 - \cos^2(\theta) = \sin^2(\theta) So, the expression becomes: sin2(θ)cos(θ)\frac{\sin^2(\theta)}{\cos(\theta)}

  5. Divide by sin(θ)\sin(\theta) from the denominator: sin2(θ)cos(θ)sin(θ)=sin(θ)cos(θ)=tan(θ)\frac{\sin^2(\theta)}{\cos(\theta) \cdot \sin(\theta)} = \frac{\sin(\theta)}{\cos(\theta)} = \tan(\theta)

Thus, the simplified expression is: tan(θ)\tan(\theta)

Would you like more details on any of the steps?

Here are some related questions:

  1. What is the identity for secant and how is it derived?
  2. How does the Pythagorean identity help in simplifying trigonometric expressions?
  3. What other expressions simplify to tan(θ)\tan(\theta)?
  4. How can we apply these identities to solve real-world problems?
  5. How does this type of simplification help in calculus?

Tip: Memorizing common trigonometric identities makes solving problems involving simplifications much faster.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Trigonometric Identities
Simplification of Trigonometric Expressions

Formulas

Secant identity: sec(θ) = 1 / cos(θ)
Pythagorean identity: 1 - cos²(θ) = sin²(θ)
Tangent identity: tan(θ) = sin(θ) / cos(θ)

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12