QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY

DIFFUN CAMPUS
Diffun, 3401 Quirino

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

SELF-PACED LEARNING MODULE

in
Math 104c (Trigonometry)

Prepared by

NELSON D. GURAY, MOM

Associate Professor IV
 QUIRINO STATE UNIVERSITY
DIFFUN CAMPUS
Diffun, 3401 Quirino

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

Module 12 Analytic Trigonometry (Fundamental Identities)

Competencies The student is expected to be able to:
1. familiarize with the different fundamental identities;
2. write equivalent trigonometric expressions;
3. prove the reciprocal, ratio, Pythagorean, and odd-even identities; and
4. solve trigonometric equations.
Discussion
Many fundamental relationships between trigonometric functions can be
derived directly from definitions. These relationships are useful in simplifying
more complicated trigonometric expressions.

A trigonometric identity is a trigonometric equation that is true for all

values in the domain of its variable. Examples are reciprocal identities.

1 1 1
csc 𝜃 = sec 𝜃 = cot 𝜃 =
sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 tan 𝜃

An identity may be proved using the basic definitions of trigonometric functions.

𝑦 𝑟 1
Illustration 1. Use the definitions sin 𝜃 = and csc 𝜃 = 𝑦 to prove csc 𝜃 = sin 𝜃 .
𝑟

Proof:
1 1 𝑟
= 𝑦 = = csc 𝜃
sin 𝜃 𝑦
𝑟
1
Therefore, csc 𝜃 = sin 𝜃.

In Example 1, csc 𝜃 must have no value for 𝜃 for which sin 𝜃 = 0. Similar
restrictions exist for sec 𝜃 (cos 𝜃 ≠ 0) and cot 𝜃 (tan 𝜃 ≠ 0). Assume that a
denominator in a trigonometric expression is not zero, even if not explicitly stated.

A proof of an identity may be written using a vertical line to separate the

expressions to be proved equivalent. Use known algebraic and trigonometric
identities to replace one of the expressions with an equivalent expression. Repeat
the process until an expression is obtained that is the same as that on the other side
of the line.

The ratio identities can also be proved using definitions.

sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃
tan 𝜃 = , cos 𝜃 ≠ 0 cot 𝜃 = , sin 𝜃 ≠ 0
cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃

sin 𝜃
Illustration 2. Prove: tan 𝜃 = cos 𝜃 , cos 𝜃 ≠ 0

Proof:

tan 𝜃 sin 𝜃
cos 𝜃
𝑦 Definitions of sin 𝜃 and cos 𝜃
𝑟 (𝑥 ≠ 0, since cos 𝜃 ≠ 0)
𝑥
𝑟
𝑦 Multiply numerator and denominator by 𝑟
𝑥
sin 𝜃
= tan 𝜃 Therefore, tan 𝜃 = cos 𝜃 , cos 𝜃 ≠ 0 .
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The expression (𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙)𝟐 is usually written as 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟐 𝒙, and similarly for the other
trigonometric functions. Such expressions are found in the three Pythagorean
identities, so called because they are derived from the Pythagorean theorem.

sin2 𝜃 + cos 2 𝜃 = 1 1 + cot 2 𝜃 = csc 2 𝜃 1 + tan2 𝜃 = sec 2 𝜃

Illustration 3. Prove: sin2 𝜃 + cos 2 𝜃 = 1

Proof:

sin2 𝜃 + cos 2 𝜃 1

𝑦 2 𝑥 2 Definitions of sin 𝜃 and cos 𝜃

( ) +( )
𝑟 𝑟

𝑦2 𝑥2
+
𝑟2 𝑟2

𝑥2 + 𝑦2
𝑟2

𝑟2
𝑥2 + 𝑦2 = 𝑟2
𝑟2
1 = Thus, sin2 𝜃 + cos 2 𝜃 = 1

Recall that a function 𝑓(𝑥) is even if 𝑓(−𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) for all real values of 𝑥 in its
domain and odd 𝑓(−𝑥) = −𝑓(𝑥) for all real values of 𝑥 in its domain. The last two
identities of this lesson will be the odd-even identities.

sin(−𝜃) = − sin 𝜃 cos(−𝜃) = cos 𝜃 tan(−𝜃) = − tan 𝜃

Illustration 4. Prove: sin(−𝜃) = − sin 𝜃

Proof:
Let 𝜃 be an angle that intersects
a circle of radius 𝑟 at a point (𝑥, 𝑦).
Then −𝜃 will intersect the circle at
the point (𝑥, −𝑦).

sin(−𝜃) − sin 𝜃

−𝑦
𝑟
𝑦
−
𝑟
− sin 𝜃 = Therefore, sin(−𝜃) = − sin 𝜃.

Trigonometric identities can also be used in solving particular trigonometric

equations.

Example 1. Simplify each expression by writing it in terms of cosine only.

1+sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃
a) sin 𝜃 cot 𝜃 b) (csc 2 𝜃 − 1)(sin2 𝜃) c) + 1+sin 𝜃
cos 𝜃

Solution:
cos 𝜃
a) sin 𝜃 cot 𝜃 = sin 𝜃 ( sin 𝜃 ) = 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽
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cos2 θ
b) (csc 2 𝜃 − 1)(sin2 𝜃) = cot 2 𝜃 sin2 𝜃 = ( sin2 θ ) ( sin2 𝜃) = 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝟐 𝜽
1 + sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 (1 + sin 𝜃)(1 + sin 𝜃) + cos 𝜃 cos 𝜃
c) cos 𝜃
+ 1+sin 𝜃 = cos 𝜃(1 + sin 𝜃)
Multiply by the LCD [cos 𝜃(1 + sin 𝜃)]

1 + 2 sin θ + sin2 θ + cos2 θ

= Simplify the numerator
cos θ(1 + sin θ)

1 + 2 sin θ + (sin2 θ + cos2 θ)

= Associative Property
cos θ(1 + sin θ)
1 + 2 sin θ +1
= cos θ(1 + sin θ) By substitution, since sin2 θ + cos2 θ = 1

2 + 2 sin θ
= cos θ(1 + sin θ) Addition of constants

2 (1 + sin θ)
= cos θ(1 + sin θ) By factoring

𝟐 1 + sin θ
= 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝛉 Division of
1 + sin θ

Example 2. Solve 2 cos 𝜃 − 1 = 0, where 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 2𝜋.

Solution:

2 cos 𝜃 − 1 = 0
2 cos 𝜃 = 1 Addition Prop. of Equality
1
cos 𝜃 = 2 Divide both sides by 2
1
𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 (2)
𝝅 𝟓𝝅
𝜃= or
𝟑 𝟑
1
Note that in the interval 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 2𝜋, the values for 𝜃 where cos 𝜃 = 2 are 𝑥-
𝝅 1 √3 𝟓𝝅 1 √3
coordinates of : 𝑪 𝟎 (2 , ) and : 𝑪𝟎 (2 , − ). Thus, this is the solution set
𝟑 2 𝟑 2
𝝅 𝟓𝝅
{𝟑 , 𝟑
}.

Example 3. Solve tan2 𝜃 = tan 𝜃, where 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 2𝜋.

Solution:

tan2 𝜃 = tan 𝜃
tan2 𝜃 − tan 𝜃 = 0 Equate to 0 since we have a quadratic function
tan 𝜃(tan 𝜃 − 1) = 0 Factor
tan 𝜃 = 0 ; tan 𝜃 − 1 = 0 Zero Product Property
tan 𝜃 = 1

If 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 2𝜋, tan 𝜃 = 0 means that 𝜃 = 0, 𝜋, 2𝜋, and tan 𝜃 = 1 means that

𝜋 3𝜋
𝜃 = 4, .
4

𝝅 𝟑𝝅
Thus, the solution set is {𝟎, , 𝝅, , 𝟐𝝅}
𝟒 𝟒

Example 4. Solve 6 cos 2 𝜃 − 5 sin 𝜃 − 2 = 0, where 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 2𝜋.

Solution:
The problem presents two different trig. functions, sin 𝜃 and cos 𝜃. To
solve this kind of problem, we need to make the equation into one-function
form.
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6 cos 2 𝜃 − 5 sin 𝜃 − 2 = 0
6 (1 − sin2 𝜃) − 5 sin 𝜃 − 2 = 0 cos 2 𝜃 = 1 − sin2 𝜃

6 − 6 sin2 𝜃 − 5 sin 𝜃 − 2 = 0 Distributive Property

2
−6 sin 𝜃 − 5 sin 𝜃 + 4 = 0 Combining like terms
6 sin2 𝜃 + 5 sin 𝜃 − 4 = 0 Multiplied both sides by −1
Let 𝑥 = sin 𝜃
6𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 4 = 0 By substitution
(3𝑥 + 4)(2𝑥 − 1) = 0 Factor
3𝑥 + 4 = 0; 2𝑥 − 1 = 0 Zero Product Property
4 1
𝑥 = −3; 𝑥=2
4 1 1
Thus, sin 𝜃 = − 3 or sin 𝜃 = 2. But −1 ≤ sin 𝜃 ≤ 1, So sin 𝜃 = 2. Therefore, the
𝝅 𝟓𝝅
solution set is { , }.
𝟔 𝟔

Proving Identities

There is no clear-cut method in proving identities. Just remember to apply

the concepts step by step to minimize mistakes. Still, we have are three ways to
prove identities which are all very easy to follow:

1) Right to Left method

2) Left to Right method
3) Left and Right method

From the name itself the Right to Left method is performed by transforming
the right side of the identity into the left by a series of steps.

In the same breath, the Left to Right method is performed by transforming

the left side of the identity into the right by a series of steps.

In these two methods, you should only work on one side of the identity.

For the Left and Right method, you start with both the left and the right
members independently and not as an equation or identity, work on them until
you arrive at the exactly the same expression.

Usually, you can use any of the three methods in proving identities but it is
your task to look for the easiest way.

Here are some tips in proving identities:

1) Start from the side having the more complicated expression. Usually start
with the one involving addition or subtraction and finish with the member
involving multiplication or division.

2) Keep in mind the trigonometric (or circular function) identities. You need
not memorize all of them but just the basic ones and then derive the other
from them.

3) Expressing all the other trigonometric functions in term of sin 𝜃 and/or

cos 𝜃 might also help.

4) If you choose to work with only one side of an identity, continuously refer back
to the other side to see what you are trying to obtain.
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5) Use the Pythagorean identities to substitute for expressions equal to 1.

6) Perform algebraic operations.

a. Factor
b. Simplify complex rational expressions
c. Find the LCD and combine fractions
d. Combine like terms
e. Multiply both the numerator and denominator by the same expression to
obtain an equivalent fraction.
f. Replace a binomial with a monomial.

• Recall the operations on fractions as well as factoring from algebra and

apply them properly. Here are some of them:

1 1 𝑥+𝑦
+ = 𝑥, 𝑦 ≠ 0 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 = (𝑥 − 𝑦)(𝑥 + 𝑦)
𝑥 𝑦 𝑥𝑦
𝑥 𝑤 𝑥𝑧 + 𝑤𝑦
+ = 𝑦, 𝑧 ≠ 0 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2
𝑦 𝑧 𝑦𝑧

7) Do not cross multiply the members for you are not sure whether one
member is equal to the other.

Example 5. Prove sec 𝜃 − cos 𝜃 = tan 𝜃 sin 𝜃

Proof: Using the Left to Right method

1
sec 𝜃 − cos 𝜃 = − cos 𝜃 By substitution
cos 𝜃

1−cos2 𝜃
= Multiply by the LCD (cos 𝜃)
cos 𝜃
sin2 𝜃
= By substitution, since sin2 𝜃 = 1 − cos2 𝜃
cos 𝜃
sin 𝜃 sin 𝜃
= cos 𝜃
Expanding sin2 𝜃 = sin 𝜃 sin 𝜃
sin 𝜃 sin 𝜃
= ∙ sin 𝜃 By substitution, since cos 𝜃 = tan 𝜃
cos 𝜃

sec 𝜃 − cos 𝜃 = tan 𝜃 sin 𝜃

∴ 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝜽 − 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽 ≡ 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜽 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽

sin 𝜃 1−cos 𝜃
Example 6. Prove =
1 + cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃

Proof: Use the Right to Left since the right side is more complicated

1 − cos 𝜃 1 − cos 𝜃 1 + cos 𝜃

=( ) (1 + cos 𝜃) Multiply both the numerator and denominator by the
sin 𝜃 sin 𝜃
1 + cos 𝜃
conjugate of the numerator, ( )
1 + cos 𝜃
1 − cos2 𝜃
= By multiplication
sin 𝜃(1 + cos 𝜃)

sin2 𝜃
= sin 𝜃(1 + cos 𝜃) By Substitution, since 1 − cos2 𝜃 = sin2 𝜃

1 − cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃
= By division
sin 𝜃 1 + cos 𝜃
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𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽 𝟏−𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽
∴ 𝟏 + 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽 = 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽

Example 7. Prove tan 𝜃 + cot 𝜃 = sec 𝜃 csc 𝜃.

Proof: We can solve this problem on either side. Let us use Left and Right
method.

tan 𝜃 + cot 𝜃 ; sec 𝜃 csc 𝜃

sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 1 1
+ sin 𝜃 ; ∙ By substitution
cos 𝜃 cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃
sin2 θ+cos2 θ 1
; Multiplication by LCD; product of denominators
cos θ sin θ cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃
1 1
= By substitution, since sin2 𝜃 + cos2 𝜃 = 1
cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃

∴ 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜽 + 𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝜽 = 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝜽 𝐜𝐬𝐜 𝜽

sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 +cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃 tan 𝜃 + tan 𝜃

Example 8. Prove: = 1 − tan 𝜃 tan 𝜃
cos 𝜃 cos 𝜃 − sin 𝜃 sin 𝜃

Proof: Use Left and Right method. Let’s simplify first the left side.

sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 +cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃 2 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃

a) = cos2 𝜃 − sin2 𝜃 Simplify the numerator and denominator
cos 𝜃 cos 𝜃 − sin 𝜃 sin 𝜃

b) Simplify the right side

tan 𝜃 + tan 𝜃 2 tan 𝜃

= 1−tan2 𝜃 Simplify the numerator and denominator
1 − tan 𝜃 tan 𝜃
sin 𝜃
2 cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃
= sin2 θ
By simplification, since tan 𝜃 = cos 𝜃, and 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 =
𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝜃
1−
cos2 θ
sin 𝜃
2 cos 𝜃
= cos2 θ − sin2 θ
By multiplying the denominator by its LCD (cos 2 𝜃)
cos2 θ

sin 𝜃
2 cos 𝜃 cos2 𝜃 cos2 𝜃
=( 2 )( 2 ) Multiply by
cos2 θ – sin θ cos 𝜃 cos2 𝜃
cos2 θ

tan 𝜃 + tan 𝜃 2 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃

= cos2 𝜃 − sin2 𝜃 Simplify
1 − tan 𝜃 tan 𝜃

𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽 +𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜽 + 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜽

∴ 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽 − 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽 = 𝟏 − 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜽 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜽

Enrichment Try This!

Activity
1. Write the expression
sin2 θ
a) + cos 𝜃 in terms of cos 𝜃.
cos θ
sec 𝜃
b) in terms of tan 𝜃
csc 𝜃
1 1
c) + 1+cos 𝜃 in terms of sin 𝜃
1−cos 𝜃
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2. Solve each of the following for 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 2𝜋

a) 2 sin 𝜃 + 1 = 0
b) 2 − csc 𝜃 = 0
c) sin 𝜃 = cos 𝜃

3. Prove the following:

a) sin 𝜃 tan 𝜃 = sec 𝜃 − cos 𝜃
sin2 θ−25 sin 𝜃 − 5
b) = sin 𝜃 + 5
sin2 θ + 10 sin θ + 25
cos 𝜃 − sin 𝜃 1 − tan 𝜃
c) =
sin 𝜃 tan 𝜃

Answers Key:
Try this!

1 2
1) a. b. tan 𝜃 c.
cos 𝜃 sin2 θ

7𝜋 11𝜋 𝜋 5𝜋 𝜋 5𝜋
2) a. { 6 , } b. { 3 , } c. { 4 , }
6 3 4

References Hayden, J. and Hall, B. (1993). Trigonometry. Prentice Hall

Leithold, L. (1989). College Algebra and Trigonometry. Addison Wesley.
Malaborbor, P. et.al. (2003). Functions. Educational Resources Corp.
Moyer, R. & Ayres, F. (2012). Schaum’s Outline of Trigonometry, 5th
Edition, McGraw Hill.
Sullivan, Michael (2008). Algebra & Trigonometry 8th Edition. Prentice Hall