Chapter 5: Problem 61
Verify the identity by transforming the lefthand side into the right-hand side. $$(1+\sin \theta)(1-\sin \theta)=\frac{1}{\sec ^{2} \theta}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The identity is verified: \((1+\sin \theta)(1-\sin \theta) = \frac{1}{\sec^2 \theta}.\)
Step by step solution
01
Apply the Difference of Squares
Recognize the expression \((1 + \sin \theta)(1 - \sin \theta)\) as a difference of squares. Use the identity \((a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2\). Here, let \(a = 1\) and \(b = \sin \theta\), so we have:\[ (1 + \sin \theta)(1 - \sin \theta) = 1^2 - (\sin \theta)^2 = 1 - \sin^2 \theta. \]
02
Use the Pythagorean Identity
Recall the Pythagorean identity: \(\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1\). Rearrange this identity to express \(1 - \sin^2 \theta\):\[ 1 - \sin^2 \theta = \cos^2 \theta. \]
03
Express Cosine in Terms of Secant
Understand that \(\sec \theta\) is the reciprocal of \(\cos \theta\). Therefore, \(\cos^2 \theta\) can be written as \(\frac{1}{\sec^2 \theta}\), because \(\cos^2 \theta = (\cos \theta)^2 = \left(\frac{1}{\sec \theta}\right)^2 = \frac{1}{\sec^2 \theta}\).
04
Verify the Equality
Substitute the expression for \(\cos^2 \theta\) back into the equation from Step 1. We have:\[ 1 - \sin^2 \theta = \cos^2 \theta = \frac{1}{\sec^2 \theta}. \]Therefore, the identity is verified as \((1+\sin \theta)(1-\sin \theta) = \frac{1}{\sec^2 \theta}.\)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Difference of Squares
The difference of squares is a foundational algebraic concept that you might have encountered. It deals with expressions in the form
In this example, you let \(a = 1\) and \(b = \sin \theta\), which leads to
- \((a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2\)
- \(a\) and \(b\) can be any expressions, not just simple numbers.
In this example, you let \(a = 1\) and \(b = \sin \theta\), which leads to
- \(1^2 - (\sin \theta)^2 = 1 - \sin^2 \theta\).
Pythagorean Identity
The Pythagorean identity is one of the most critical trigonometric identities. It links sine and cosine functions in a very neat relationship. The identity states:
In the given problem, using this identity allows you to replace \(1 - \sin^2 \theta\) with \(\cos^2 \theta\). This transformation is pivotal because it helps convert the expression into a form where other identities, like reciprocal identities, can be applied.
- \(\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1\).
In the given problem, using this identity allows you to replace \(1 - \sin^2 \theta\) with \(\cos^2 \theta\). This transformation is pivotal because it helps convert the expression into a form where other identities, like reciprocal identities, can be applied.
Secant Function
The secant function, denoted by \(\sec \theta\), is a less commonly used trigonometric function that represents the reciprocal of the cosine function.
- Formally, \(\sec \theta = \frac{1}{\cos \theta}\).
- This relationship implies \((\cos \theta)^2 = \left(\frac{1}{\sec \theta}\right)^2\) or \(\cos^2 \theta = \frac{1}{\sec^2 \theta}\).
Reciprocal Identities
Reciprocal identities play a big role in trigonometry by connecting base trigonometric functions to their reciprocals. These identities allow you to transform expressions using their reciprocal counterparts:
Once you rewrite \(\cos^2 \theta\) in terms of \(\sec^2 \theta\), it confirms the identity \(1 - \sin^2 \theta = \cos^2 \theta = \frac{1}{\sec^2 \theta}\), completing the verification.
- For cosine, the reciprocal identity is \(\sec \theta = \frac{1}{\cos \theta}\).
- Similarly, for sine and tangent functions, their reciprocals are cosecant and cotangent, respectively.
Once you rewrite \(\cos^2 \theta\) in terms of \(\sec^2 \theta\), it confirms the identity \(1 - \sin^2 \theta = \cos^2 \theta = \frac{1}{\sec^2 \theta}\), completing the verification.