PRECALCULUS

Learning Worksheet Trigonometric Identities

2nd Quarter-Module 6
MELC: determine whether an equation is an identity or a conditional equation; and apply
trigonometric identities to find other trigonometric values. STEM_PC11T-IIe-1
Objective/s :
1. Determine whether an equation is an identity or a conditional equation.
2. Familiarize and recognize the different trigonometric identities.
3. Simplify trigonometric expression and equation.
4. Prove other trigonometric identities.
5. Apply trigonometric identities to find other trigonometric equation.

KEY CONCEPTS:
Trigonometric principles, identities, and equations are widely employed nowadays
in surveying, navigation, engineering, electrical, optics, music, medicine, criminology, and a
variety of other industries.
An identity equation is one that holds true for all values of the variable in the equation's
domain. If some values of the variable in the domain of the equation do not satisfy the
equation, it is a conditional equation.

Exercises 1. Identify whether the equation: 𝑥 3 − 2 = (𝑥 − √2)(𝑥 2 + √2𝑥 + √4) is an identity or a

3 2 3

conditional equation.
Solution: It is an identity equation because it involves factoring of the difference of two cubes.
The equation will be satisfied with any value of x.

Exercises 2. Identify whether the equation: 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + 1 is an identity or a conditional

equation.
Solution: It is a conditional equation. If equals 𝜃=0, the left side of the equation is 0 and the right
side is 2, indicating that both sides are unequal.

Remember:
For all values of x (domain), an identity equation shows that both sides are equal. On the
other hand, a conditional equation demonstrates that the value of x will satisfy either the left or
right sides of the equation, but not both.

Lesson 1: FUNDAMENTAL TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITIES

An equation containing a trigonometric function or a combination of trigonometric
functions that is valid for all values of the variable for which the functions are defined is known
as trigonometric identity.
These identities are verified using the fundamental identities that hold for every value of
the angle or real number, for which the functions involved are defined.

Reciprocal Identities Quotient Identities

1 1 𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
(1) 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 (4) 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 = 𝑥 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
1 1 𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
(2) 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 𝑐𝑠𝑐𝜃 𝑐𝑠𝑐𝜃 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 (5) 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃 = 𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
1 1
(3) 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃 =
𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃

2
 Pythagorean Identities
(6) 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 = 1
2 2
𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 = 1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 = 1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃
(7) 1 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜃 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜃 − 1 1 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜃 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃
(8) 𝑐𝑜𝑡 𝜃 + 1 = 𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝜃
2 2
𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 𝜃 = 𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝜃 − 1 1 = 𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝜃−𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 𝜃

Even and Odd Identities

Odd Identities: (9) sin(−𝜃) = −𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 , csc(−𝜃) = −𝑐𝑠𝑐𝜃
(10) tan(−𝜃) = −𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 , cot(−𝜃) = −𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃
Even Identity: (11) cos(−𝜃) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 , sec(−𝜃) = 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃

Illustrative Examples:
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃
1. Simplify 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃
by applying fundamental trigonometric identities
Solution:
cos 𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
cot 𝜃
= 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 Apply quotient identity of 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
cos 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
cot 𝜃
= 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 ቀ𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃ቁ Get the reciprocal of the denominator, then multiply
𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽
𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝜽
= 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝜽 Simplify

2. Simplify 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃 by applying fundamental trigonometric identities.

Solution:
1 1
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 ቀ𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃ቁ Apply reciprocal identity of 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 1 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃 = Multiply 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 ቀ ቁ =
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝒔𝒊𝒏𝜽𝒔𝒆𝒄𝜽 = 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜽 Apply quotient identity of 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃

3. Simplify 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃

Solution:
𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃(1 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃) Use factoring method
𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜃 Apply Pythagorean Identity of 𝟏 +
𝒕𝒂𝒏𝟐 𝜽 = 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝟐 𝜽
1
𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 ቀ𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝜃ቁ Use Reciprocal identity of 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜃 =
1
𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝜃
𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝜃
𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝜃 Multiply and simply
𝟐 𝟐 𝟐
𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝜽 + 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝜽𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝜽 = 𝟏

1+𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃
4. Simplify
1+𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 𝜃
Solution:
1+𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜃
1+𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 𝜃
= 𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝜃 Apply Pythagorean Identities of 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜃 and 𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝜃
1
1+𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝜃
1+𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 𝜃
= 1 Apply Reciprocal Identities of 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜃 and 𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝜃
𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃

1+𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃 1 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃
1+𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 𝜃
= 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝜃 ቀ 1
ቁ Reciprocal the denominator, then multiply
1+𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃
1+𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 𝜃
= 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝜃 Apply Quotient identity of 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝜃

𝟏 + 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝟐 𝜽
= 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝟐 𝜽
𝟏 + 𝒄𝒐𝒕𝟐 𝜽

3
 5
5. If 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃 = 2 and 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 < 0, use the identities to find the valuesof the remaining trigonometric
function of θ

Solution. Note that 𝜽 lies in QIV

1 1 𝟐
𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜽 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃 = 5 =𝟓 Apply the reciprocal identity of 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃, then substitute
2

𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 = 1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 Use the Pythagorean identity of 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃

2 2
√𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 = √1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 Extract the square root sign, then take a negative answer since 𝜃 lies in
QIV.
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = −√1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃
2 2 4 21 √𝟐𝟏
𝒔𝒊𝒏𝜽 = −√1 − ቀ5ቁ = −√1 − 25 = −√25 = − 𝟓
Substitute the value of 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 and simplify

1 1 5 √21 𝟓√𝟐𝟏
𝑐𝑠𝑐𝜃 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = =− ቀ ቁ =− Apply the reciprocal identity of 𝑐𝑠𝑐𝜃
−
√𝟐𝟏 √21 √21 𝟐𝟏
𝟓
1 5 √21
𝒄𝒔𝒄𝜽 = =− ቀ ቁ Substitute the value of 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 then rationalize the denominator
−
√𝟐𝟏 √21 √21
𝟓
𝟓√𝟐𝟏
𝒄𝒔𝒄𝜽 = −
𝟐𝟏

√21
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 − √21 5 √𝟐𝟏
𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜽 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 2
5
=− 5
ቀ2ቁ =− 𝟐
Apply the quotient identity of 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃, then simplify
5

1 1 2 √21 𝟐√𝟐𝟏
𝒄𝒐𝒕𝜽 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 = =− ቀ ቁ =− Apply the reciprocal identity of 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃, then simplify
−
√21 √21 √21 𝟐𝟏
2

LESSON 2: PROVING TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITIES

We can use the fundamental identities to establish other identities. This is what we called
Proving Trigonometric Identities, to prove, it starts on the expression on one side of the proposed
identity (preferably the complicated side). Use and apply some of the fundamental trigonometric
identities and algebraic manipulations and arrive at the expression on the other side of the
proposed identity.

Example 1. Verify that 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃 = 1

Solution
Expression Explanation
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃 = 1 Given
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 1
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 ∙ ∙ =1 Apply quotient identity of 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃 and reciprocal identity of 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
=1 Multiply Fractions
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
1=1
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
Example 2. Prove that 𝑐𝑠𝑐𝜃 − 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃 = 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
Solution
Expression Explanation
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝑐𝑠𝑐𝜃 − 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃 = Given
1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
1 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
− 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = Apply reciprocal identity of 𝑐𝑠𝑐𝜃 and quotient identity of 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃 in the left
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
side of equation
1−𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
= Add the quotients
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃

4
 1−𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
∙ 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 Multiply the numerator and denominator by 1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
1−𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
= 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 Multiply the denominator and simplify
(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)(1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)
𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
= 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 Apply the Pythagorean identity of 1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 and simplify
(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)(1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
= 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃

Example 3. Prove that 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝐴𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝐴 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝐴 + 𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝐴

Solution. Note that 𝐴 = 𝜃
Expression Explanation
𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝐴𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝐴 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝐴 + 𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝐴 Given
1 1
𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝐴𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝐴 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝐴 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝐴 Apply reciprocal identity of 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜃 and 𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝜃
𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝐴+𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝐴
𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝐴𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝐴 = Combination of fraction through LCD
𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝐴
1
𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝐴𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝐴 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝐴 Apply Pythagorean identity of 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝐴 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝐴
1 1 1
𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝐴𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝐴 = 2 ∙ 2 Factoring
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐴 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝐴
2 2 2 2 1 1
𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝐴𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝐴 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝐴𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝐴 Apply reciprocal identity of and
𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝐴 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝐴

LESSON 3: SUM AND DIFFERENCE IDENTITIES

The general addition formulas are used to find the value of a circular function of a sum or
difference of two angles.

Sum and Difference Formulas

(1) cos(𝐴 + 𝐵) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵
(2) cos(𝐴 − 𝐵) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵
(3) sin(𝐴 + 𝐵) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴
(4) sin(𝐴 − 𝐵) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐴+𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐵
(5) tan(𝐴 + 𝐵) = 1−𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐴𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐵
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐴−𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐵
(6) tan(𝐴 − 𝐵) = 1+𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐴𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐵

Note: A and B represents angles

Discussion 1
3 12
Exercise 1: If 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴 = − 5 and 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵 = − 13, where A is in QIII and B is in QIV, find the value of each.
1. 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (𝐴 + 𝐵) 2. 𝑐𝑠𝑐 (𝐴 − 𝐵) 3. 𝑡𝑎𝑛 (𝐴 − 𝐵)

Solution:

(A) Find the values of sine and cosine using the right triangle.
3 4 4
If cos 𝐴 = − 5, where A is in QIII, then sin 𝐴 = − 5 and tan 𝐴 = 3
12 5 12
If sin 𝐵 = − , where B is in QIV, then cos 𝐵 = and tan 𝐵 = −
13 13 5

(B) Use the identity for cosine of the sum of two angles.
1. cos(𝐴 + 𝐵) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵 Apply the identity for cosine of the sum of two angles
3 5 4 12
𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝐴 + 𝐵) = ቀ− 5ቁ ቀ13ቁ − ቀ− 5ቁ ቀ− 13ቁ Substitute all the values
15 48
𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝐴 + 𝐵) = − 65 − 65 Simplify
𝟔𝟑
𝒄𝒐𝒔(𝑨 + 𝑩) = − 𝟔𝟓
1
2. 𝑐𝑠𝑐(𝐴 − 𝐵) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝐴−𝐵) Apply the reciprocal identity of 𝑐𝑠𝑐𝜃

5
 1
𝑐𝑠𝑐(𝐴 − 𝐵) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵−𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴 Apply the identity for sine of the difference of two angles

1
𝑐𝑠𝑐(𝐴 − 𝐵) = 4 5 12 3 Substitute all the values
ቀ− ቁቀ ቁ−ቀ− ቁቀ− ቁ
5 13 13 5
1
𝑐𝑠𝑐(𝐴 − 𝐵) = 20 36 Simplify
− −
65 65
65
𝑐𝑠𝑐(𝐴 − 𝐵) = 1 ቀ− 56ቁ Get the reciprocal of the denominator, then multiply

𝟔𝟓
𝐜𝐬𝐜(𝑨 − 𝑩) = − 𝟓𝟔
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐴−𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐵
3. tan(𝐴 − 𝐵) = Apply the identity for tangent of the difference of two angles
1+𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐴𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐵
4 12
−ቀ− ቁ
𝑡𝑎𝑛(𝐴 − 𝐵) = 3
4
5
12 Substitute all the values
1+ቀ ቁቀ− ቁ
3 5
56

𝑡𝑎𝑛(𝐴 − 𝐵) = 15
11 Simplify
−
5

56 5
𝑡𝑎𝑛(𝐴 − 𝐵) = 15 ቀ− 11ቁ Get the reciprocal of the denominator, then multiply

𝟓𝟔
𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝑨 − 𝑩) = − 𝟏𝟏

*Remember to always check the sign of trigonometric function, it should be based on what
quadrant does the function lies.

Discussion 2
Cofunction Identities
If C is the right angle in right ⊿𝐴𝐵𝐶, then angles A and B are complements. Notice what
happens if we use the usual triangle ratios to define the six trigonometric functions of angles A and
B (Figure 1).

Observed the following:

𝐴 𝐻 𝑂 𝐻
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴 = 𝐻 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝐴 = 𝐴
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝐵 =
𝐻 𝑂
𝑂 𝐻 𝐴 𝐻
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴 = 𝐻
𝑐𝑠𝑐𝐴 = 𝑂
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵 = 𝑐𝑠𝑐𝐵 =
𝐻 𝐴
0 𝑂 𝐴 𝑂
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐴 = 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝐴 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐵 = 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝐵 =
𝐴 𝐴 𝑂 𝐴

FIGURE 1. Angles A and B are complements in right ⊿𝐴𝐵𝐶.

Do you see what happens? In every case, the value of a function at A is the same as the
value of its cofunction at B. This always happens with complementary angles; in fact, it is this
phenomenon that gives a “cofunction” its name. The “co” stands for “complement”.

Cofunction Identities
𝜋 𝜋
𝑠𝑖𝑛 ቀ 2 − 𝜃ቁ = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑠𝑒𝑐 ቀ 2 − 𝜃ቁ = 𝑐𝑠𝑐𝜃
𝜋 𝜋
𝑐𝑜𝑠 ቀ − 𝜃ቁ = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑐𝑠𝑐 ቀ − 𝜃ቁ = 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃
2 2
𝜋 𝜋
𝑡𝑎𝑛 ቀ − 𝜃ቁ = 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑡 ቀ − 𝜃ቁ = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃
2 2

Exercise 2: Find the value of the following:

𝜋
𝑎. 𝑠𝑖𝑛75° b. 𝑡𝑎𝑛 12

𝜋
Solution: Note that 2
= 90° in unit circle.
𝜋
(A) 𝑠𝑖𝑛75° = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( − 𝜃) Apply cofunction identity of sine
2

6
 𝜋
𝑠𝑖𝑛75° = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (90° − 75°) Substitute the values of 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜃
𝑠𝑖𝑛75° = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (15°) Subtract and simplify
𝑠𝑖𝑛75° = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (45° − 30°) Express the given angle (15°) as sum of special angles
𝑠𝑖𝑛75° = 𝑐𝑜𝑠45°𝑐𝑜𝑠30° + 𝑠𝑖𝑛45°𝑠𝑖𝑛30° Apply the identity for cosine of the difference of two
angles
√2 √3 √2 1
𝑠𝑖𝑛75° = ቀ 2 ቁ ቀ 2 ቁ + ቀ 2 ቁ ቀ2ቁ Substitute the value of special angle in unit circle, then simplify
√𝟔+√𝟐
𝒔𝒊𝒏𝟕𝟓° = 𝟒

𝜋 𝜋
(B) 𝑡𝑎𝑛 = 𝑐𝑜𝑡 ቀ − 𝜃ቁ Apply cofunction identity of tangent
12 2
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
𝑡𝑎𝑛 12 = 𝑐𝑜𝑡 ቀ 2 − 12ቁ Substitute the values of 𝜃 = 12
𝜋 5𝜋
𝑡𝑎𝑛 12 = 𝑐𝑜𝑡 ቀ 12 ቁ Simplify
𝜋 8𝜋 3𝜋 8𝜋 2 3𝜋 1
𝑡𝑎𝑛 = 𝑐𝑜𝑡 ቀ − ቁ Subtract and simplify, = 𝜋 and = 𝜋
12 12 12 12 3 12 4
𝜋 1
𝑡𝑎𝑛 12 = 2 1 Apply the identity for tangent of the difference of two angles
𝑡𝑎𝑛3𝜋−𝑡𝑎𝑛4𝜋
2 1
1+ቀ𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜋ቁቀ𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜋ቁ
3 4
𝜋 1+(−√3)(1)
𝑡𝑎𝑛 = Reciprocal and substitute the values of special angles given
12 −√3−1
𝜋 1−√3 √3−1
𝑡𝑎𝑛 12 = − 3−1 ∙ 3−1 Rationalize the denominator and simplify
√ √
𝜋 √3−1−√9+√3
𝑡𝑎𝑛 = Simplify
12 −√9+√3−√3+1
𝝅 2√3−4
𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝟏𝟐 = −2 = −√𝟑 + 𝟐

LESSON 4: DOUBLE ANGLE AND HALF ANGLE IDENTITIES

Trigonometric identities simplify the computations of trigonometric expressions. In this lesson,
we continue establishing more trigonometric identities.

Double-Angle Formula

(A) 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 (B) 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜃 = 2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃

2𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃
𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃 = 1 − 2𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 (C) 𝑡𝑎𝑛2𝜃 = 1−𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃
𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃 = 2𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 − 1

𝟑 𝝅
Exercises 1: Given 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝜽 = 𝟓 and 𝟐
< 𝜽 < 𝝅, find 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝟐𝜽, 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝟐𝜽 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝟐𝜽
Solution
(a) Find first 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 using Pythagorean identity which lies in QII.
𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 = 1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃
3 2 9 25−9 4
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = √1 − ቀ5ቁ = √1 − 25 = √ 15
= −5

(b) Solve for 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝟐𝜽, 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝟐𝜽 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝟐𝜽 by substituting all the values then simplify.
2𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃
𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜃 = 2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 𝑡𝑎𝑛2𝜃 = 1−𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃
24
3 4 4 2 3 2 2ቀ− ቁ
7
𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜃 = 2 ቀ5ቁ ቀ− 5ቁ 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃 = ቀ− 5ቁ − ቀ5ቁ 𝑡𝑎𝑛2𝜃 = 24 2
1−ቀ− ቁ
7
𝟔 4 16 9 48 49
𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜃 = ቀ− ቁ 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃 = − 𝑡𝑎𝑛2𝜃 = ቀ− ቁ ቀ− ቁ
𝟓 5 25 25 7 527
𝟐𝟒 𝟕 𝟑𝟑𝟔
𝒔𝒊𝒏𝟐𝜽 = − 𝟐𝟓 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝟐𝜽 = 𝟐𝟓 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝟐𝜽 = − 𝟓𝟐𝟕

7
*Remember to always check the sign of trigonometric function, it should be based on what
quadrant does the function lies.

Discussion 2: Half-angle Identities

Half-Angle Identities
𝜽 𝟏− 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜽 𝜽 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜽+𝟏 𝜽 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝜽 𝟏−𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜽
𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝟐 = ±√ 𝟐
𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝟐 = ±√ 𝟐
𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝟐 = 𝟏+𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜽 = 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝜽

𝝅
Exercises 2: Find the exact value of 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝟖
Solution
𝜋
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
𝑐𝑜𝑠 8 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 24 Find the value of 𝜽 by multiplying 8 (2) = 4
𝜋
𝜋 𝒄𝒐𝒔 +𝟏
𝑐𝑜𝑠 8 = √ 𝟐
4
Apply half-angle identity of cosine, then substitute the value of 𝜽

√𝟐
𝜋 +𝟏 𝜋
𝑐𝑜𝑠 = √ 𝟐 Substitute the value of 𝒄𝒐𝒔 in the unit circle.
8 𝟐 4

𝟐+√𝟐
𝜋 2+√2 1
𝑐𝑜𝑠 8 =√ 𝟐
𝟐
=√ 2
∙2 Simplify

𝝅 2+√2 √𝟐+√𝟐
𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝟖 = √ 4
= 𝟐

Exercises 3: Find the exact value of 𝒄𝒐𝒕𝟏𝟓°

Solution
𝜃 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝜃 1
𝑇ℎ𝑢𝑠, 15° = , 𝜃 = 30°, since 𝑡𝑎𝑛 = and 𝑐𝑜𝑡 = 𝜃 , then:
2 2 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 2 𝑡𝑎𝑛
2
𝜃 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
𝑐𝑜𝑡 = Apply half-angle identity of cotangent through the reciprocal of
2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
tangent
𝜃 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠30°
𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛30°
Substitute the value of 𝜽
√3
𝜃 1+
𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 = 1
2
Substitute the value of 𝒄𝒐𝒔30° in the unit circle
2
2+√3
𝜃 2+√3 2
𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 = 2
1 = 2
ቀ1ቁ Rationalize the denominator then simplify
2
𝜽
𝒄𝒐𝒕 = 𝟐 + √𝟑
𝟐