LESSON 9 Proving Identities

WEEK7

KNOWLEDGE ENRICHMENT

A. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of the module you will be able to:
• Evaluate a problem using sum and difference method
• Solve a problem using double - angle and half-angle identities
• Apply trigonometric identities to find other trigonometric values

B. INTRODUCTION
Next we want to use the eight basic identities and their equivalent forms
to verify other trigonometric identities. To prove (or verify) that a trigonometric
identity is true, we use trigonometric substitutions and algebraic manipulations to
either:
• Transform the right side into the left side, Or
• Transform the left side into the right side.

The main thing to remember in proving identities is to work on each side of

the identity separately. We do not want to use properties from algebra that involve
both sides of the identity—such as the addition property of equality. We prove
identities in order to develop the ability to transform one trigonometric expression
into another.
When we encounter problems in other courses that require the use of the
techniques used to verify identities, we usually find that the solution to these
problems hinges upon transforming an expression containing trigonometric
functions into a less complicated expression. In these cases, we do not usually have
an equal sign to work with.

11
C. LESSON PROPER

Sample problem 1. Verify the identity: 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃.

Solution: To prove this identity we transform the left side into the right side:
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 ( ) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 ratio identity
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
= 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 multiply
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃

𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 divide out common factor in 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃

Sample problem 2. Prove: 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥(𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑥 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝑥) = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
Solution: We begin by applying the distributive property to the right side of the
identity. Then we change each expression on the right side to an
equivalent expression involving only sin x and cos x.
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥(𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑥 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝑥) = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑥 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑡𝑥 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 multiplly
1 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 ( ) + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 ( ) = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 reciprocal & ratio
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥
identities
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥
+ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 multiply & divide
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
common factor sin x
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 ratio identity
 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃
Sample problem 3. Prove: = 1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
1−𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
Solution: We begin by applying an alternative form of the Pythagorean identity
to the right side to write 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 𝑎𝑠 1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝜃. Then we factor 1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃
and reduce to lowest terms.
𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃
= 1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
1−𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
1−𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃
= 1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 Pythagorean identity
1−𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
(1−𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)(1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)
= 1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 Factor
1−𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃

1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 Reduce

Trigonometric Function of Two Angles

a) Sum & Difference of two Angles
𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝑥 + 𝑦) = 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑦 + 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑦 𝐶𝑜𝑠 (𝑥 + 𝑦) = 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑦 − 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑦
𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝑥 − 𝑦) = 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑦 − 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑦 𝐶𝑜𝑠 (𝑥 − 𝑦) = 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑦 + 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑦
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥+𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥−𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑦
tan(𝑥 + 𝑦) = tan(𝑥 − 𝑦) =
1−𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑦 1+𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑦

b) Double Angle
2𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥
𝑆𝑖𝑛2𝑥 = 2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 𝐶𝑜𝑠2𝑥 = 1 − 𝑆𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 𝑡𝑎𝑛2𝑥 =
1−𝑡𝑎𝑛 2 𝑥
c) Half Angle
1 1−𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥 1 1+𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥 1 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥
𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑥 = ±√ 𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑥 = ±√ 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑥 =
2 2 2 2 2 1+𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥
d) Sum & difference of Sine & Cosine
1 1
𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥 + 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑦 = 2𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝑥 + 𝑦)𝐶𝑜𝑠 (𝑥 − 𝑦)
2 2
1 1
𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥 − 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑦 = 2𝐶𝑜𝑠 (𝑥 + 𝑦)𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝑥 − 𝑦)
2 2
1 1
𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥 + 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑦 = 2𝐶𝑜𝑠 (𝑥 + 𝑦)𝐶𝑜𝑠 (𝑥 − 𝑦)
2 2
1 1
𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥 − 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑦 = −2𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝑥 + 𝑦)𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝑥 − 𝑦)
2 2

13
 e) Product of Sine & Cosine
1 1
𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑦 = 𝐶𝑜𝑠(𝑥 − 𝑦) − 𝐶𝑜𝑠(𝑥 + 𝑦)
2 2
1 1
𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑥𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑦 = 𝑆𝑖𝑛(𝑥 − 𝑦) + 𝑆𝑖𝑛(𝑥 + 𝑦)
2 2
1 1
𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑥𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑦 = 𝐶𝑜𝑠(𝑥 − 𝑦) + 𝐶𝑜𝑠(𝑥 + 𝑦)
2 2
Sample problem 4. Find the exact value for 𝑐𝑜𝑠75°.
Solution: we write 75° as 45°+30° then apply the formula
𝑪𝒐𝒔 (𝒙 + 𝒚) = 𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒙𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒚 − 𝑺𝒊𝒏𝒙𝑺𝒊𝒏𝒚
𝑐𝑜𝑠75° = cos (45° + 30°)
= 𝑐𝑜𝑠45°𝑐𝑜𝑠30° − 𝑠𝑖𝑛45°𝑠𝑖𝑛30°
√2 √3 √2 1
= [( )( )] − [( )( )]
2 2 2 2
√𝟔−√𝟐
=
𝟒
1
Sample problem 5. Prove: sin(𝜃 + 30°) cos(𝜃 + 60°) = (𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 − 3𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃
4
Solution: use sum & difference of two angles
𝑺𝒊𝒏 (𝒙 + 𝒚) = 𝑺𝒊𝒏𝒙𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒚 + 𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒙𝑺𝒊𝒏𝒚
𝑪𝒐𝒔 (𝒙 + 𝒚) = 𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒙𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒚 − 𝑺𝒊𝒏𝒙𝑺𝒊𝒏𝒚
sin(𝜃 + 30°) cos(𝜃 + 60°) = (𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑠30° + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃𝑠𝑖𝑛30°)(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑠60° − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑠𝑖𝑛60°)
√3 1 1 √3
= (𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 )(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 )
2 2 2 2
1 1
= (√3𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃) (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 − √3𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
2 2
1
= (√3𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 − √3𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)
4

1 2
= (√3𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 − (√3) 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 − √3𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
4
𝟏
= (𝒄𝒐𝒔𝟐 𝜽 − 𝟑𝒔𝒊𝒏𝟐 𝜽)
𝟒
1 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃+𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
Sample problem 6. Prove: tan (45° + 𝜃) =
2 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃−𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
Solution: use sum & difference of two angles and half angle
𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒙+𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝟏 𝑺𝒊𝒏𝒙
𝐭𝐚𝐧(𝒙 + 𝒚) = , 𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝒙 =
𝟏−𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒙𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝟐 𝟏+𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒙
1
1 𝑡𝑎𝑛45°+𝑡𝑎𝑛2𝜃
tan (45° + 𝜃) = 1
2 1−𝑡𝑎𝑛45°𝑡𝑎𝑛2𝜃
 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 (1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)1+(1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
1+1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
= 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = (1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)1−(1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
1−1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃

1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃+𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
=( )( )
1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃−𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃

𝟏+𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜽+𝒔𝒊𝒏𝜽
=
𝟏+𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜽−𝒔𝒊𝒏𝜽
1 1
Sample problem 7. Prove: 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡 𝜃 = 2𝑐𝑠𝑐𝜃
2 2
Solution: use half angle, Pythagorean relation and Reciprocal relation
𝟏 𝑺𝒊𝒏𝒙 𝟏
𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝒙 = , 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝟐 𝜽 + 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝟐 𝜽 = 𝟏 , 𝒄𝒔𝒄𝜽 =
𝟐 𝟏+𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒙 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝜽
1 1 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃(1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃) 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃(1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)
𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡 𝜃 = + = +
2 2 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃+(1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃+1+2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃+𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃
= (1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = (1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃

1+1+2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 2+2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 2(1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃) 2

= (1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = (1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = (1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 =
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃

= 𝟐𝒄𝒔𝒄𝜽

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
ACTIVITY 7.1 (30 pts.)
Instruction: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers in your
CSTC green booklet.
1. Which expression is NOT equal to 1?
a. 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝜃 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 c. 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃
2 2
b. 𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡 𝜃 d. 𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 𝜃 − 𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 𝜃
1+𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃
2. Which of the following is equal to ?
𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃
a. 1 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 c. 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃 − 1
b. 1 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 d. 1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃
3. What is the simplified form of 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛4 𝜃 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃?
2

a. 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝜃 c. 𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃
b. 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 d. 1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛4 𝜃
5
4. If 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 = , 𝜃 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑄𝐼𝐼𝐼, which statement is/are FALSE?
12
I. 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = −5 II. 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = −12
a. I only c. Both I and II
b. II only d. neither I nor II

15
 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃+𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
5. Which of the following is equal to ?
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
a. 𝑐𝑠𝑐𝜃 + 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃 c. 𝑐𝑠𝑐𝜃𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃
b. 2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 d. 2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 + 2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
6. Which statement is always true?
I . An equation that is always true is an identity.
II. The equation 1 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜃 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜃 is a Pythagorean identity.
III. The equation 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 = 1 is a reciprocal identity
a. I and II only c. I and III only
b. II and III only d. I, II and III
7. Which of the following is an identity?
I. (1 + cos 𝑥)(1 − cos 𝑥) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥
II. (1 + sin 𝑥)(1 − sin 𝑥) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑥
III. (1 + sec 𝑥)(1 − sec 𝑥) = 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝑥
a. I and II only c. I and III only
b. II and III only d. I, II and III
3
8. If 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃 = − , 𝜃 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑄𝐼𝑉, which is FALSE?
4
5 5
a. 𝑐𝑠𝑐𝜃 = c. 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃 =
4 3
4 4
b. 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = − d. 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 = −
5 3
3 5
9. If 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼 = , 𝜃 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑄𝐼 and 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛽 = − , 𝛽 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑄𝐼𝐼𝐼 , what
5 13
is the value of cos (𝛼 + 𝛽)?
16 21
a. − c. −
65 65
21 56
b. d.
65 65
1
10. If 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛽 = , 𝛽 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑄𝐼 , which is true?
4
3 7
a. 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛽 = c. 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝛽 =
4 8
1 4
b. 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝛽 = d. 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝛽 =
2 3

ACTIVITY 7.2 (30 pts.)

Instruction: Prove the following, show your solution. Write your answers in
your CSTC green booklet.
1. 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
2. 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃 = 𝑐𝑠𝑐𝜃
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐴
3. = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴
𝑠𝑒𝑐𝐴
APPLICATION (10 pts.)

Instruction: Answer the question below, place your answer in your CSTC green
booklet.

Based on the lesson learned, site an example or application of

proving identities in your daily task as a student.

ASSESSMENT (30 pts.)

Instruction: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers in your
CSTC green booklet.

1. Which expression is different from the rest?

a. 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝑥 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 c. 1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃
2
b. 2𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥 − 1 d. 2𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑥 + 1
2. Which expression is equal to sin 4x?
a. 4sin x c. 2sin2x
b. 2sin2xcos2x d. 4sinxcosx
𝛼
3. If = 150° , what is the value of 𝑡𝑎𝑛 ?
2
a. 2 + √3 c. 2 − √3
2−√3 2+√3
b. d.
4 4
4. What is the value of cos 105° ?
√2 √6
a. c.
4 2
√3 √6
b. d.
2 4

5. If = 330° , what quadrant contains 2𝜃 ?

a. I b. II c. III d. IV
𝜃
6. If = 200° , what quadrant contains ?
2
a. I b. II c. III d. IV
7. Which statement is always true?
a. If 𝛼 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛽 are acute angles , 𝛼 + 𝛽 is acute.
b. If 𝛼 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛽 are acute angles , 𝛼 + 𝛽 is obtuse.
c. If 𝛼 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛽 are obtuse angles , 𝛼 − 𝛽 is acute.
d. If 𝛼 is acute, then 2𝛼 is obtuse.

17
8. If 𝑎 = 60° 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = 120° what is sin (𝑎 + 𝑏) ?
1 1
a. − b. 0 c. d. 1
2 2
9. For which angle is 𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 ?
a. 30° b. 45° c. 60° d. 90°
𝜋 𝜃
10. If = , what is 𝑡𝑎𝑛 ?
4 2
a. 1 − √2 c. −1 + √2
b. √2 + 1 d. √2 + 2

CHARACTER ENHANCEMENT

REFLECTION: (10 pts.) write your answer in your CSTC green booklet.

How important is solving identities in todays present age of

technology. Site an example and explain your answer.