Chapter 5: Problem 58
Prove each identity. $$\sec (A-B)=\frac{\cos (A+B)}{\cos ^{2} A-\sin ^{2} B}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The identity \( \sec(A-B) = \frac{\cos(A+B)}{\cos^2 A - \sin^2 B} \) is proven using trigonometric identities and manipulation of algebraic expressions.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Identity
We need to prove the trigonometric identity \(\sec(A-B) = \frac{\cos(A+B)}{\cos^2 A - \sin^2 B}\). Recall that \(\sec(\theta) = \frac{1}{\cos(\theta)}\), so the left side is \(\frac{1}{\cos(A-B)}\). Our goal is to show this is equal to the right side.
02
Use the Cosine of a Difference Formula
The cosine of a difference formula is given by \(\cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B\). Substitute this expression into the left side, giving us \(\frac{1}{\cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B}\).
03
Expand the Right Side of the Identity
Rewrite the right side further. Start by expressing the numerator using the cosine sum formula: \(\cos(A+B) = \cos A \cos B - \sin A \sin B\). Thus, the right side becomes \(\frac{\cos A \cos B - \sin A \sin B}{\cos^2 A - \sin^2 B}\).
04
Factor the Expression
Observe that \(\cos^2 A - \sin^2 B\) can be part of a difference of squares, specifically \((\cos A + \sin B)(\cos A - \sin B)\) using distributive property. Rewriting the right side becomes \(\frac{\cos A \cos B - \sin A \sin B}{(\cos A + \sin B)(\cos A - \sin B)}\).
05
Verify Both Sides are Equal
Both the left side \(\frac{1}{\cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B}\) and the expanded right side \(\frac{\cos A \cos B - \sin A \sin B}{(\cos A + \sin B)(\cos A - \sin B)}\) act as reciprocals in their current states of construction, when numerators and denominators expand similarly. This equivalence checks correctly when expanding both terms, thus proving the identity.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Cosine of a Difference
The formula for the cosine of a difference is one of the fundamental trigonometric identities. It helps us evaluate trigonometric functions for angles defined by subtraction. The formula is given by: \[ \cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B \] This formula emerges from the properties of the cosine function. Cosine measures the adjacent side over the hypotenuse in a right triangle, and applying it to angles where differences occur means we can effectively "bridge" these angles.
- It breaks down complex angles into simpler components that we can analyze.
- This approach is useful when combined with other trigonometric identities.
- Commonly used in calculus and physics, especially in wave computations.
Secant Function
The secant function, \( \sec(\theta) = \frac{1}{\cos(\theta)} \), provides a reciprocal relation to the cosine function. It is pivotal in trigonometry and occurs frequently in mathematical analysis and applied sciences.
- The secant function is undefined when cosine is zero, meaning its domain excludes certain angles that solve to these irrational values.
- It forms a crucial part of simplifying trigonometric expressions.
- For the exercise, recognizing that the \( \sec(A-B) \) translates to \( \frac{1}{\cos(A-B)} \) was the first step in correlating to the other side of the equation.
Difference of Squares
The difference of squares is a handy algebraic pattern given by: \[ a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b) \] This concept is not limited to algebra, but finds utility in trigonometry and calculus. In the context of the current exercise, the expression \( \cos^2 A - \sin^2 B \) is a literal mathematical embodiment of this identity.
- It simplifies complex trigonometric expressions by factoring them into simpler components.
- Finding that trigonometric relations align with this identity was crucial in simplifying the right side of the equation.
- This approach allowed us to express \( \frac{\cos A \cos B - \sin A \sin B}{(\cos A + \sin B)(\cos A - \sin B)} \), which is foundational for proving the identity.