19.

3 Trigonometric identities and equations

In the previously lessons, we frequently referred to the reciprocal relationships. These
are actually trigonometric identities and can be verified using the definitions of the
trigonometric functions.

𝑓(𝑥)
𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦)
𝑟 y
𝜃
0 x 𝑥

SOHCAHTOA
𝑦 𝑟 𝑟 1 1
sin 𝜃 = and csc 𝜃 = 𝑦 therefore, 𝑦 = 𝑦 ,the identity csc 𝜃 = sin 𝜃 is established.
𝑟
𝑟

In a like manner, the identities

1 1
sec 𝜃 = cos 𝜃 and cot 𝜃 = tan 𝜃 can be verified.

Again using the definitions of the trigonometric functions, we can verify that:

𝑦
sin 𝜃 𝑟 𝑦 𝑥 𝑦
= 𝑥 = ( 𝑟 ) (𝑟 ) = 𝑥 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃
cos 𝜃
𝑟

sin 𝜃
Therefore, the identity 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 = cos 𝜃 is established.

Similarly, the identity

cos 𝜃
𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃 =
sin 𝜃
can be verified.

Given 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 = 1 ,from this identity, two addition identities can be
developed as follows:

1
1) (𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 = 1) 2
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃

Lecture notes prepared by W.Sakala 2020

 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 1
1+ =
𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃

cos 𝜃 2 1 2
1+( ) =( )
sin 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥

1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 𝜃 = 𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝜃

1
2) (𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 = 1) 2
𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝜃

sin 𝜃 2 1 2
( ) +1=( )
cos 𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥

𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃+1 = 𝑆𝑒𝑐 2 𝜃

Let’s pause for a moment and list the basic or fundamental identities of trigonometric
functions.
1
Cosecant ⟹ csc 𝜃 = sin 𝜃 ,
1
Secant ⟹ sec 𝜃 = Cos 𝜃 ,
1 Cos 𝜃
Cotangent ⟹ cot 𝜃 = tan 𝜃 or cot 𝜃 = ,
Sin 𝜃

Sin 𝜃
Tangent ⟹ tan 𝜃 = Cos 𝜃 ,

𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 = 1 ,
1 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜃 and 1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 𝜃 = 𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝜃
Example 19.3.1.
3
If sin 𝜃 = 5 and cos𝜃 < 0,find the values of the other trigonometric functions

Solution
1 1 5
i) csc 𝜃 = sin 𝜃 = 3 =3
5

ii) 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 = 1

3 2
( ) + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 = 1
5

Lecture notes prepared by W.Sakala 2020

 9 25 − 9 16
𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 = 1 − = =
25 25 25

16 4
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = ∓√ = ∓
25 5
4
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = −
5

1
iii) sec𝜃 = 𝐶𝑂𝑆𝜃 we obtain

1 −5
sec𝜃 = −4 =
4
5

Sin 𝜃 3 3 −5 −3
iv) tan 𝜃 = Cos 𝜃 = ( 5 ) = (5) ( 4 ) = 4 and
−4
5

1 1 −4
v) cot 𝜃 = tan 𝜃 = −3 = 3
4

Example 19.3.2

a) Simplify sin𝜃Cot𝜃
Solution
𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃
sin𝜃 ( ) = cos 𝜃
𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃

𝑆𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃
b) Simplify +
𝐶𝑠𝑐𝜃 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝜃

Solution

𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃

+ = 1 + 1 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 ( ) + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 ( ) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝜃
𝑐𝑠𝑐𝜃 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃 1 1
sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃
=1

Therefore,
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
+ =1
𝑐𝑠𝑐𝜃 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃

Lecture notes prepared by W.Sakala 2020

 c) Simplify cosx+cosx𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝑥
Solution
1
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝑥 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥(1 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝑥) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥(𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑥) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 ( )
𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥
1
= = 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑥
𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥
1
Therefore, 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝑥 simplifies to 𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑥
𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥

3.1 .Verifying identities

Examples 3.1.1
a) Verify the identity sec𝜃cot𝜃 = csc 𝜃
Solution

1 cos 𝜃 1
𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃 = (cos 𝜃) ( sin 𝜃 ) = Sin 𝜃 = csc 𝜃
∴ we have verified that
𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃 = csc 𝜃

1
b) Verify the identity = (1 + sin 𝑥)(1 − sin 𝑥)
𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑥

Solution
(1 + sin 𝑥)(1 − sin 𝑥) = 1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥

= 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥
1
=
𝑠𝑒𝑐2 𝑥
1
∴ = (1 + sin 𝑥)(1 − sin 𝑥)
𝑆𝑒𝑐2 𝑥
c) Verify the identity 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑥 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥
Solution A
1
𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑥 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥

1−𝐶𝑜𝑠2 𝑥
= 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥

Lecture notes prepared by W.Sakala 2020

 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥
=
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝑥
= 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥

𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥
= 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥.
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
= 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥

Solution B
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥
sin 𝑥 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 = sin 𝑥 ( )
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥
=
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥
=
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
1
= − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
= sec 𝑥 − cos 𝑥

𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥
d) Verify the identity + 1−𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥 = 2𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑥
1+𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥

Solution
𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥(1−𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥)+𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥(1+𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥)
+ = (1+𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥)(1−𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥)
1+𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥 1−𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥

𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥−𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥+𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥+𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥
= (1+𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥)(1−𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥)
2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
= (1+𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥)(1−𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥)
2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
=
1−𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝑥

2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
=
𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝑥 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥
2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 2
= 𝐶𝑜𝑠2 𝑥 = 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥 = 2𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑥

Lecture notes prepared by W.Sakala 2020

 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥+𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥
e) Verify the identity = csc 𝑥 + 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑥
𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥

Solution
𝑎+𝑐 𝑎 𝑐
Let’s apply the property of fractions = 𝑏+𝑏
𝑏

𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥

= +
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥
1
= + 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
1 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥
= +
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥

1 1
= +
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥
= csc 𝑥 + 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑥
cos 𝑥 1+sin 𝑥
f) Verify the identity =
1−sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥

Solution
𝑎 𝑎𝑐
We can apply the property 𝑏 = 𝑏𝑐

𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥(1 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥)

=
1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 (1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥)(1 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥)

𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥(1 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥)
=
2
1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥(1 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥)
=
𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥 + 𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥(1 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥)
=
𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝑥
1+𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥
= 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥

Lecture notes prepared by W.Sakala 2020

3.2 .Trigonometric equations
Solving a conditional trigonometric equation such as 2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 = 1 refers to the process of
finding the values for the variable 𝑥 that will make a true numerical statement. For
𝜋 5𝜋
example, 6 and 6 are the solutions between 0 and 2𝜋.(remember that 2𝜋 is the period
1
of the sine function) that satisfy the equation 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 = 2.Then by adding multiples of 2𝜋 to
5𝜋 𝜋
each of these, all of the solutions can be represented by + 2𝑛𝜋 and 6 + 2𝜋𝑛,where 𝑛
6
𝜋 5𝜋
is an integer. The expressions 6 + 2𝑛𝜋 and + 2𝑛𝜋 𝑎𝑟𝑒 referred to as the general
6
solutions of the equation. Using the degree measure, the general solutions can be
represented by 300 + 𝑛. 3600 and 1500 + 𝑛. 3600 where 𝑛 is an integer.
Example 3.2.1
Find the general solution for 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥
Solution
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 = 0
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 (𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 − 1) = 0
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 − 1 = 0
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 = 1
since the sine function has a period of 2𝜋,it is sufficient to find the solutions of 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 = 0
for 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 2𝜋 .Those solutions are 0 and 𝜋. The general expression is
𝜋 + 2𝑛𝜋, 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑛 ∈ 𝑍.
0 + 2𝑛𝜋, 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑛 ∈ 𝑍.

The tangent function has period 𝜋, so it is sufficient to find the solutions of 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 = 1 for
𝜋 𝜋
0 ≤ 𝑥 < 𝜋. The only solution is 4 . The general expression is 4 + 𝑛𝜋,where n is an
integer.
Therefore, the solutions for 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 can be represented by 𝜋 + 2𝜋 , 0 + 2𝜋𝑛
𝜋
and 4 + 𝑛𝜋 where 𝑛 ∈ 𝑍.

Lecture notes prepared by W.Sakala 2020

b) Solve 2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 1 = 0 if 00 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 3600
Solution
2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 1 = 0
2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = −1
1
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = −
2
1 1
from our work with special angles, we know that 𝑐𝑜𝑠1200 = − 2 and 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2400 = − 2

The solutions are 1200 and 2400

S all
𝜃 = 2400
600 𝜃 = 1200
600
T C

c) Solve 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 = 0 if 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 2𝜋

Solution
Unit circle
𝒚
(0 , 1) 90°
(cos 𝜃, sin 𝜃)
𝑟=1 𝑝(𝑥, 𝑦)
(𝑥 , 𝑦)
180 𝜃 0
(−1,0) (1,0)360 𝑥

(0, −1)
270

Lecture notes prepared by W.Sakala 2020

 By applying the property if 𝑎𝑏 = 0, then 𝑎 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑏 = 0
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 = 0
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 = 0
𝜋 3𝜋
we know that 𝑠𝑖𝑛 0 = 0, 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜋 = 0 and 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( 2 ) = 0 and 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( 2 ) = 0
𝜋 3𝜋
Therefore, the solutions are 0, 2 , 𝜋, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 2

d) Solve 2𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 − 1 = 0 𝑖𝑓 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2𝜋

Solution

S ALL
𝜋
6
𝜋 𝜋
6 6

T C

●
(0, −1)

𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 − 1 = 0

Lecture notes prepared by W.Sakala 2020

 (2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 − 1)(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 + 1) = 0
2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 − 1 = 0 or 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 + 1 = 0
2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 = 1 or 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 = −1
1
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 = 2 or 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 = −1
1 𝜋 5𝜋
If 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 = 2 , then 𝑥 = 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 =
6 6
3𝜋
If 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 = −1, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑥 = 2
𝜋 5𝜋 3𝜋
Thus the solutions are , 𝑎𝑛𝑑
6 6 2

e) Solve sec 2 𝑥 + tan2 𝑥 = 3 𝑖𝑓 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝜋

Solution

ST ALL

T C

Using the identity 1 + tan2 𝑥 = sec 2 𝑥 we can substitute 1 + tan2 𝑥 𝑓𝑜𝑟 sec 2 𝑥
1 + tan2 𝑥 + tan2 𝑥 = 3
1 + 2 tan2 𝑥 = 3
2 tan2 𝑥 = 3 − 1
2 tan2 𝑥 = 2
tan2 𝑥 = 1
𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑥 = ±1
𝜋 5𝜋
If 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑥 = 1 ,the 𝑥 = 4 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = and
4
3𝜋 7𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋 5𝜋 7𝜋
if 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑥 = −1, then 𝑥 = 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = . Thus the solutions are 4 , , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 .
4 4 4 4 4

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 f) Solve 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 = √2 if 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2𝜋
Solution

ST ALL

T C

𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 = √2
2
(sinx)2 = (√2 − cos 𝑥)

sin2 𝑥 = 2 − 2√2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 + cos2 𝑥

1 − cos 2 𝑥 = 2 − 2√2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 + cos 2 𝑥

0 = 2 cos2 𝑥 − 2√2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 + 1

Now we can use the quadratic formula to solve for cos 𝑥

2√ 2 ± √ 8 − 8
cos 𝑥 =
4
2√ 2
cos 𝑥 =
4

√2
cos 𝑥 =
2
√2 𝜋 7𝜋
If cos 𝑥 = ,then 𝑥 = 4
or 𝑥= 4
2

Check!

𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 +𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 = √2 and

𝜋 𝜋 7𝜋 7𝜋
sin + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 = √2 sin + cos = √2 ?
4 4 4 4
√2 √2 √2 √2
+ = √2 − + = √2 ?
2 2 2 2

Lecture notes prepared by W.Sakala 2020

 2√2
= √2 0 ≠ √2
2
𝜋
So, the only solution is 𝑥 = 4

Lecture notes prepared by W.Sakala 2020