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A Guide To Proving Trig Identities
A Guide To Proving Trig Identities
written by: Kayla Griffin • edited by: Noreen Gunnell • updated: 3/26/2014
Proving identities is a big part of any trigonometry class (or method of study). Here, you will find a basic method
that will work on every problem, an example of how to use it, and additional tips and tricks to save you some time.
Essential Identities
The trick to proving trig identities is intuition, which can only be gained through experience. The more basic
formulas you have memorized, the faster you will be. The following identities are essential to all your work with
trig functions. Make a point of memorizing them.
Quotient Identities:
tan(x) = sin(x)/cos(x)
cot(x) = cos(x)/sin(x)
Reciprocal Identities:
csc(x) = 1/sin(x)
sec(x) = 1/cos(x)
cot(x) = 1/tan(x)
sin(x) = 1/csc(x)
cos(x) = 1/sec(x)
tan(x) = 1/cot(x)
Pythagorean Identities:
sin2(x) + cos2(x) = 1
cot2A +1 = csc2A
1+tan2A = sec2A
(For a list of other important identities, see the Trig Cheat Sheet article in this series.)
STEP 1: Convert all sec, csc, cot, and tan to sin and cos. Most of this can be done using the quotient and reciprocal
identities.
STEP 2: Check all the angles for sums and differences and use the appropriate identities to remove them.
STEP 3: Check for angle multiples and remove them using the appropriate formulas.
STEP 4: Expand any equations you can, combine like terms, and simplify the equations.
STEP 5: Replace cos powers greater than 2 with sin powers using the Pythagorean identities.
STEP 6: Factor numerators and denominators, then cancel any common factors.
STEP 7: Now, both sides should be exactly equal, or obviously equal, and you have proven your identity.
STEP 5: There are no powers greater than 2, so we can skip this step
STEP 6: Since cos2(x) - sin2(x) appears on both sides of the equation, we can cancel it.
We are left with: cos2(x) + sin2(x) = 1
STEP 7: Since this is one of the pythagorean identities, we know it is true, and the problem is done.
Extra Tips
Get both sides of the equation in the same functions. You don’t always have to use sin and cos, but its easier
to compare when both sides are composed of similar functions
Make sure all your angles are the same. Using sin(2A) and sinA is difficult, but if you use sin2A =
2sin(x)cos(x), that leaves sin(x) and cos(x), and now all your functions match. The same goes for addition
and subtraction: don’t try working with sin(A+B) and sinA. Instead, use sin(A+B) =
sin(x)cos(x)+cos(x)sin(x) so that all the angles match.
3 main ways to solve: Convert right side to left side [direct right-left], convert left side to right side [direct
left-right], or convert both sides to the same function [meet in the middle]
If you need to add more powers (or remove them), use cos^2(x) + sin^2(x) = 1. You can always multiply by 1
without changing the meaning, so therefore you can always multiply by cos^2(x)+sin^2(x).
Once you get the hang of it, you will begin to see patterns. For instance, in the example above, you might
notice right off that the left side is difference of two squares and do that first. Then, you quickly simplify to
cos^2(x) = sin^2(x), which tells you which double angle identity to use.
If you keep getting stuck on a problem, take a break. Come back with a clean sheet of paper, and start over
from the beginning. Often, it helps to change the direction (from left-right to right-left).
Let someone else read through your work, just to see if they follow it and can give a new perspective. When
you stare at the same equations for too long, you’ll likely start to miss things that you would have noticed at
the beginning.