6.

3 – Trig Identities
 Basic Trigonometric Identities
Reciprocal Identities
1 1 1
csc x = sin x sec x = cos x cot x = tan x

Quotient Identities
sin x cos x
tan x = cos x cot x = sin x

Pythagorean Identities
sin2x + cos2x = 1 tan2x + 1 = sec2x 1 + cot2x = csc2x

Even-Odd Identities

sin(- x ) = - sin x cos(- x ) = cosx tan( -x) = - tanx

sec( -x ) = sec x csc( -x ) = - cscx cot( -x) = - cotx
Example 1

Verify the identity: sec x cot x = csc x.

Solution The left side of the equation contains the more complicated
expression. Thus, we work with the left side. Let us express this side of the
identity in terms of sines and cosines. Perhaps this strategy will enable us to
transform the left side into csc x, the expression on the right.

Apply a reciprocal identity: sec x = 1/cos x

1 cos x and a quotient identity: cot x = cos x/sin x.
sec x cot x = 
cos x sin x
1 Divide both the numerator and the
= = csc x denominator by cos x, the common factor.
sin x
 Example 2
Verify the identity: cosx - cosxsin2x = cos3x

Solution We start with the more complicated side, the left side. Factor out
the greatest common factor, cos x, from each of the two terms.
cos x - cos x sin2 x = cos x(1 - sin2 x) Factor cos x from the two terms.

Use a variation of sin2 x + cos2 x =

= cos x · cos2 x 1. Solving for cos2 x, we obtain
cos2 x = 1 – sin2 x.

= cos3 x Multiply.

We worked with the left and arrived at the right side. Thus, the identity is verified.
Guidelines for Verifying Trigonometric Identities
1. Work with one side of the equation at a time. It is often
better to work with the more complicated side first.
2. Look for opportunities to factor an expression, add
fractions, square a binomial, or create a monomial
denominator.
3. Look for opportunities to use the fundamental identities.
Note which functions are in the final expression you want.
Sines and cosines pair up well, as do secants with
tangents, and cosecants with cotangents.
4. If the preceding guidelines do not help, try converting all
terms to sines and cosines.
5. Always try something. Even making an attempt that leads
to a dead end provides insight.
Example 3
Verify the identity:
csc(x) / cot (x) = sec (x)

Solution:

csc x
= sec x
cot x
1
sin x = 1
cos x cos x
sin x
1 sin x 1
 = = sec x
sin x cos x cos x
 Example 4

Verify the identity:

cos x = cos x  cos x sin x

3 2

Solution:

cos x = cos x  cos x sin x

3 2

cos x = cos x(cos x  sin x)

2 2

cos x = cos x(1)

Example 5
Verify the following identity:

tan 2 x - cot 2 x
= tan x - cos x
tan x  cot x
Solution:

tan 2 x - cot 2 x
=
tan x  cot x
(tan x  cot x)(tan x - cot x)
= = tan x - cot x
tan x  cot x