Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
0. Functions
Trigonometric Identities
Problem 67
Textbook Question
Prove the following identities.
secθ=cosθ1
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1
Start by recalling the definition of the secant function in trigonometry. The secant of an angle \( \theta \) is defined as the reciprocal of the cosine of that angle.
Express the secant function in terms of cosine: \( \sec\theta = \frac{1}{\cos\theta} \). This is the fundamental definition of the secant function.
To prove the identity \( \sec\theta = \frac{1}{\cos\theta} \), we need to show that this expression holds true for all values of \( \theta \) where \( \cos\theta \neq 0 \).
Consider the unit circle, where the cosine of an angle \( \theta \) is the x-coordinate of the point on the circle. The secant, being the reciprocal, represents the ratio of the hypotenuse to the adjacent side in a right triangle.
Since \( \sec\theta \) is defined as \( \frac{1}{\cos\theta} \), and this relationship is derived directly from the definitions of the trigonometric functions, the identity \( \sec\theta = \frac{1}{\cos\theta} \) is proven by definition.
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