Chapter 5: Problem 14
Prove that each of the following identities is true: $$ \sin ^{2} x\left(\cot ^{2} x+1\right)=1 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The identity is true because \( \sin^2 x (\cot^2 x + 1) \) simplifies to 1 using trigonometric identities.
Step by step solution
01
Recall Trigonometric Identities
To solve this problem, recall two essential trigonometric identities:1. The Pythagorean identity: \[ \sin^2 x + \cos^2 x = 1 \]2. The identity for cotangent in terms of sine and cosine: \[ \cot x = \frac{\cos x}{\sin x} \] Knowing these will help in transforming the left-hand side of the identity.
02
Express Cotangent Squared in Terms of Sine and Cosine
We have \( \cot^2 x = \left( \frac{\cos x}{\sin x} \right)^2 = \frac{\cos^2 x}{\sin^2 x} \). Using this, we can rewrite \( \cot^2 x + 1 \) as:\[ \cot^2 x + 1 = \frac{\cos^2 x}{\sin^2 x} + 1 \].
03
Simplify Expression Using Common Denominator
The expression \( \frac{\cos^2 x}{\sin^2 x} + 1 \) can be rewritten with a common denominator:\[ \frac{\cos^2 x}{\sin^2 x} + \frac{\sin^2 x}{\sin^2 x} = \frac{\cos^2 x + \sin^2 x}{\sin^2 x} \].Using the Pythagorean identity, \( \cos^2 x + \sin^2 x = 1 \), simplifies this to:\[ \frac{1}{\sin^2 x} \].
04
Substitute into the Original Expression
Substitute \( \frac{1}{\sin^2 x} \) from Step 3 into the left-hand side of the original equation:\[ \sin^2 x \cdot \left( \cot^2 x + 1 \right) = \sin^2 x \cdot \frac{1}{\sin^2 x} \].
05
Simplify the Expression
The multiplication \( \sin^2 x \cdot \frac{1}{\sin^2 x} \) simplifies to 1, since:\[ \sin^2 x \cdot \frac{1}{\sin^2 x} = 1 \].Thus, the identity \( \sin^2 x (\cot^2 x + 1) = 1 \) is verified.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Pythagorean Identity
The Pythagorean identity is a fundamental concept in trigonometry. It states that for any angle \( x \), the square of the sine of \( x \) plus the square of the cosine of \( x \) equals one. In mathematical terms, it is written as \( \sin^2 x + \cos^2 x = 1 \).
This identity is extremely useful because it relates sine and cosine, which are the primary trigonometric functions. Essentially, this means that in a right-angled triangle, the sum of the squares of the sides adjacent to the hypotenuse equals the square of the hypotenuse itself.
Here are some key points about the Pythagorean identity:
This identity is extremely useful because it relates sine and cosine, which are the primary trigonometric functions. Essentially, this means that in a right-angled triangle, the sum of the squares of the sides adjacent to the hypotenuse equals the square of the hypotenuse itself.
Here are some key points about the Pythagorean identity:
- It helps in transforming trigonometric expressions, as seen in solving the given identity.
- This identity is derived from the Pythagorean theorem in geometry, applied to the unit circle.
- Many other trigonometric identities are derived from this basic identity.
Cotangent Function
The cotangent function, denoted as \( \cot x \), is one of the six fundamental trigonometric functions. It is the reciprocal of the tangent function. In terms of sine and cosine, cotangent can be expressed as \( \cot x = \frac{\cos x}{\sin x} \).
Understanding the cotangent function involves knowing how it compares to the tangent function. While \( \tan x = \frac{\sin x}{\cos x} \), \( \cot x \) flips this relationship.
Here are some quick facts about the cotangent function:
Understanding the cotangent function involves knowing how it compares to the tangent function. While \( \tan x = \frac{\sin x}{\cos x} \), \( \cot x \) flips this relationship.
Here are some quick facts about the cotangent function:
- Cotangent is undefined when \( \sin x = 0 \), because division by zero is not possible.
- The function \( \cot^2 x + 1 \) is often encountered in identities, exemplifying its relationship with other trigonometric terms.
- In terms of a sine and cosine ratio, it can help convert complex trigonometric expressions into simpler forms.
Identity Verification
Verifying an identity means showing that both sides of a given equation are equivalent, using known identities or algebraic manipulations. For this exercise, the goal was to prove that \( \sin^2 x (\cot^2 x + 1) = 1 \).
The process of verification followed these key steps:
The process of verification followed these key steps:
- Recognize and utilize essential trigonometric identities, such as the Pythagorean identity and the expression for cotangent.
- Simplify the equation step by step, expressing cotangent squared as \( \frac{\cos^2 x}{\sin^2 x} \) and combining terms using a common denominator.
- Substitute and simplify until the expression reduces to a basic, undeniable truth or number, like 1 in this case.