Table of contents
- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 43m
- 1. Measuring Angles39m
- 2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles2h 5m
- 3. Unit Circle1h 19m
- 4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions1h 19m
- 5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations1h 41m
- 6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations2h 34m
- 7. Non-Right Triangles1h 38m
- 8. Vectors2h 25m
- 9. Polar Equations2h 5m
- 10. Parametric Equations1h 6m
- 11. Graphing Complex Numbers1h 7m
6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations
Sum and Difference Identities
Problem 16
Textbook Question
Use one or more of the six sum and difference identities to solve Exercises 13–54. In Exercises 13–24, find the exact value of each expression. sin 75°
![](/channels/images/assetPage/verifiedSolution.png)
1
Recognize that 75° can be expressed as a sum of two angles whose sine values are known, such as 45° and 30°.
Use the sine sum identity: \( \sin(a + b) = \sin a \cos b + \cos a \sin b \).
Substitute \( a = 45° \) and \( b = 30° \) into the identity: \( \sin(75°) = \sin(45° + 30°) = \sin 45° \cos 30° + \cos 45° \sin 30° \).
Recall the exact trigonometric values: \( \sin 45° = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \), \( \cos 30° = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \), \( \cos 45° = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \), and \( \sin 30° = \frac{1}{2} \).
Substitute these values into the expression: \( \sin(75°) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} + \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \cdot \frac{1}{2} \).
Recommended similar problem, with video answer:
![](/channels/images/assetPage/verifiedSolution.png)
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
10mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Sum and Difference Identities
Sum and difference identities are formulas that express the sine, cosine, and tangent of the sum or difference of two angles in terms of the sines and cosines of those angles. For example, the sine of the sum of two angles can be expressed as sin(a + b) = sin(a)cos(b) + cos(a)sin(b). These identities are essential for simplifying expressions involving angles that are not standard angles.
Recommended video:
Verifying Identities with Sum and Difference Formulas
Exact Values of Trigonometric Functions
Exact values of trigonometric functions refer to the precise values of sine, cosine, and tangent for specific angles, typically 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°. Knowing these values allows for the calculation of trigonometric expressions without the use of a calculator. For instance, sin(30°) = 1/2 and cos(60°) = 1/2 are exact values that can be used in conjunction with identities to find other values.
Recommended video:
Introduction to Trigonometric Functions
Angle Decomposition
Angle decomposition involves breaking down a complex angle into the sum or difference of two angles whose trigonometric values are known. For example, 75° can be expressed as 45° + 30°. This technique is useful when applying sum and difference identities to find the exact value of trigonometric functions for angles that are not standard, facilitating easier calculations.
Recommended video:
Coterminal Angles
Watch next
Master Sum and Difference of Sine & Cosine with a bite sized video explanation from Callie Rethman
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice