Chapter 1: Problem 96
Show that each of the following statements is an identity by transforming the left side of each one into the right side. $$ \cos \theta(\sec \theta-\cos \theta)=\sin ^{2} \theta $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The identity holds: \( \cos \theta(\sec \theta-\cos \theta)=\sin ^{2} \theta \).
Step by step solution
01
Rewrite Secant Function
The secant function can be rewritten using the reciprocal identity as \( \sec \theta = \frac{1}{\cos \theta} \). Substitute this into the expression to get:\[ \cos \theta \left( \frac{1}{\cos \theta} - \cos \theta \right) \]
02
Simplify the Expression
Expand the expression by distributing \( \cos \theta \) into each term of the parentheses:\[ \cos \theta \cdot \frac{1}{\cos \theta} - \cos \theta \cdot \cos \theta \]
03
Simplify Each Term
The first term simplifies to 1 since \( \cos \theta \cdot \frac{1}{\cos \theta} = 1 \), and the second term becomes \( \cos^2 \theta \) because \( \cos \theta \cdot \cos \theta = \cos^2 \theta \). Now it becomes:\[ 1 - \cos^2 \theta \]
04
Use Pythagorean Identity
Recall the Pythagorean identity \( \sin^2 \theta = 1 - \cos^2 \theta \). Substitute this identity into our simplified expression:\[ 1 - \cos^2 \theta = \sin^2 \theta \]
05
Conclude the Solution
Thus, we have successfully transformed the left side of the given statement into the right side, verifying that it is indeed an identity:\[ \cos \theta(\sec \theta-\cos \theta)=\sin ^{2} \theta \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Reciprocal Identity
Trigonometric identities are a crucial stepping stone in understanding how trigonometric functions interrelate. One of the most fundamental identities in trigonometry is the reciprocal identity. This identity expresses a trigonometric function as the reciprocal of another. In this case, the reciprocal identity we focus on is between secant and cosine.
- The secant function, denoted as \( \sec \theta \), is the reciprocal of the cosine function \( \cos \theta \). This means that \( \sec \theta = \frac{1}{\cos \theta} \).
- Using reciprocal identities like this allows us to transform expressions and solve trigonometric equations more easily.
- By rewriting \( \sec \theta \) in terms of \( \cos \theta \), we can simplify complex expressions, like the one in our problem statement, \( \cos \theta (\sec \theta - \cos \theta) \).
Pythagorean Identity
The Pythagorean identity is a powerful tool in trigonometry that relates sine and cosine functions in a simple and elegant equation. This identity is based on the Pythagorean theorem and is foundational for simplifying expressions and proving identities.
- The most common Pythagorean identity is \( \sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1 \).
- By rearranging this identity, we can express \( \sin^2 \theta \) as \( 1 - \cos^2 \theta \), which plays a critical role in transforming trigonometric expressions.
- In our problem, after simplifying with reciprocal identity, what remains is \( 1 - \cos^2 \theta \), which directly matches \( \sin^2 \theta \) thanks to the Pythagorean identity.
Simplifying Expressions
Simplifying expressions is a central aspect of solving trigonometric identities and equations. This process involves rewriting a given expression in a form that is easier to work with or provides insight into the problem.
- First, apply algebraic techniques, such as distributing terms, as done here with the expression \( \cos \theta (\sec \theta - \cos \theta) \).
- Use trigonometric identities, like the reciprocal and Pythagorean identities, to alter the expression into a simpler or more meaningful form.
- The primary goal in simplification is to reduce complexity, which can help in verifying identities, solving equations, or making connections with other mathematical principles.