Trig Identities
Trig Identities
- The trigonometric identities are mathematical equations that relate the trigonometric functions (sin, cos, tan) to one another.
- There are many identities in trigonometry, but for revision, we are focusing on the primary ones: Pythagorean identities, Quotient identities, Co-Function identities, and Even-Odd identities.
- Pythagorean identities form the basis of trigonometry and are based on the Pythagorean theorem. These include
sin²θ + cos²θ = 1
,tan²θ + 1 = sec²θ
, andcot²θ + 1 = csc²θ
. - Quotient identities express the functions in terms of each other.
tan(θ) = sin(θ)/cos(θ)
andcot(θ) = cos(θ)/sin(θ)
. - Co-Function identities describe the relationship between the sine and cosine of complementary angles.
sin(90° – θ) = cos(θ)
andcos(90° – θ) = sin(θ)
- Even-Odd identities pertain to the symmetry of the sin, cos, and tan functions.
sin(–θ) = -sin(θ)
,cos(–θ) = cos(θ)
, andtan(–θ) = -tan(θ)
. - The key to mastering trig identities is practise. Work through several examples and apply each identity correctly.
- Remember, these identities will help later when solving trig equations or simplifying expressions.