Prove the trigonometric identity $\tan\left(x\right)+\cot\left(x\right)=\sec\left(x\right)\csc\left(x\right)$

Step-by-step Solution

Go!
Symbolic mode
Text mode
Go!
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
a
b
c
d
f
g
m
n
u
v
w
x
y
z
.
(◻)
+
-
×
◻/◻
/
÷
2

e
π
ln
log
log
lim
d/dx
Dx
|◻|
θ
=
>
<
>=
<=
sin
cos
tan
cot
sec
csc

asin
acos
atan
acot
asec
acsc

sinh
cosh
tanh
coth
sech
csch

asinh
acosh
atanh
acoth
asech
acsch

Final answer to the problem

true

Step-by-step Solution

How should I solve this problem?

  • Prove from LHS (left-hand side)
  • Prove from RHS (right-hand side)
  • Express everything into Sine and Cosine
  • Exact Differential Equation
  • Linear Differential Equation
  • Separable Differential Equation
  • Homogeneous Differential Equation
  • Integrate by partial fractions
  • Product of Binomials with Common Term
  • FOIL Method
  • Load more...
Can't find a method? Tell us so we can add it.
1

Starting from the left-hand side (LHS) of the identity

$\tan\left(x\right)+\cot\left(x\right)$
2

Applying the tangent identity: $\displaystyle\tan\left(\theta\right)=\frac{\sin\left(\theta\right)}{\cos\left(\theta\right)}$

$\frac{\sin\left(x\right)}{\cos\left(x\right)}+\cot\left(x\right)$
Why is tan(x) = sin(x)/cos(x) ?
3

Applying the trigonometric identity: $\cot\left(\theta \right) = \frac{\cos\left(\theta \right)}{\sin\left(\theta \right)}$

$\frac{\sin\left(x\right)}{\cos\left(x\right)}+\frac{\cos\left(x\right)}{\sin\left(x\right)}$
Why does cot(x) = cos(x)/sin(x) ?
4

The least common multiple (LCM) of a sum of algebraic fractions consists of the product of the common factors with the greatest exponent, and the uncommon factors

$L.C.M.=\cos\left(x\right)\sin\left(x\right)$
5

Obtained the least common multiple (LCM), we place it as the denominator of each fraction, and in the numerator of each fraction we add the factors that we need to complete

$\frac{\sin\left(x\right)\sin\left(x\right)}{\cos\left(x\right)\sin\left(x\right)}+\frac{\cos\left(x\right)\cos\left(x\right)}{\cos\left(x\right)\sin\left(x\right)}$

Rewrite the sum of fractions as a single fraction with the same denominator

$\frac{\sin\left(x\right)\sin\left(x\right)+\cos\left(x\right)\cos\left(x\right)}{\cos\left(x\right)\sin\left(x\right)}$

When multiplying two powers that have the same base ($\sin\left(x\right)$), you can add the exponents

$\frac{\sin\left(x\right)^2+\cos\left(x\right)\cos\left(x\right)}{\cos\left(x\right)\sin\left(x\right)}$

When multiplying two powers that have the same base ($\cos\left(x\right)$), you can add the exponents

$\frac{\sin\left(x\right)^2+\cos\left(x\right)^2}{\cos\left(x\right)\sin\left(x\right)}$

Applying the pythagorean identity: $\sin^2\left(\theta\right)+\cos^2\left(\theta\right)=1$

$\frac{1}{\cos\left(x\right)\sin\left(x\right)}$
Why is sin(x)^2 + cos(x)^2 = 1 ?
6

Combine and simplify all terms in the same fraction with common denominator $\cos\left(x\right)\sin\left(x\right)$

$\frac{1}{\cos\left(x\right)\sin\left(x\right)}$
7

Applying the trigonometric identity: $\displaystyle\sec\left(\theta\right)=\frac{1}{\cos\left(\theta\right)}$

$\frac{\sec\left(x\right)}{\sin\left(x\right)}$
8

The reciprocal sine function is cosecant: $\frac{1}{\sin(x)}=\csc(x)$

$\sec\left(x\right)\csc\left(x\right)$
9

Since we have reached the expression of our goal, we have proven the identity

true

Final answer to the problem

true

Explore different ways to solve this problem

Solving a math problem using different methods is important because it enhances understanding, encourages critical thinking, allows for multiple solutions, and develops problem-solving strategies. Read more

Help us improve with your feedback!

Function Plot

Plotting: $true$

Main Topic: Proving Trigonometric Identities

To prove a trigonometric identity, you have to show that one side of the equation can be transformed into the other side.

Used Formulas

See formulas (3)

Your Personal Math Tutor. Powered by AI

Available 24/7, 365.

Complete step-by-step math solutions. No ads.

Choose between multiple solving methods.

Download complete solutions and keep them forever.

Unlimited practice with our AI whiteboard.

Premium access on our iOS and Android apps.

Join 500k+ students in problem solving.

Choose your plan. Cancel Anytime.
Pay $39.97 USD securely with your payment method.
Please hold while your payment is being processed.

Create an Account