Write each function in terms of its cofunction. Assume all angles involved are acute angles. See Example 2. tan 25.4°
Table of contents
- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 45m
- 1. Measuring Angles40m
- 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
3. Unit Circle
Trigonometric Functions on the Unit Circle
Problem 29
Textbook Question
In Exercises 25–30, use an identity to find the value of each expression. Do not use a calculator. sec² 23° - tan² 23°
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the Pythagorean identity involving secant and tangent: \(\sec^{2} \theta - \tan^{2} \theta = 1\).
Identify the angle in the problem: here, \(\theta = 23^\circ\).
Apply the identity directly by substituting \(\theta = 23^\circ\) into the expression: \(\sec^{2} 23^\circ - \tan^{2} 23^\circ\).
Since the identity holds for all angles where these functions are defined, the expression simplifies to 1 without further calculation.
Therefore, the value of \(\sec^{2} 23^\circ - \tan^{2} 23^\circ\) is 1 by the Pythagorean identity.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Pythagorean Identity for Secant and Tangent
The identity sec²θ - tan²θ = 1 is a fundamental Pythagorean identity in trigonometry. It relates the secant and tangent functions of the same angle and allows simplification of expressions without a calculator.
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Pythagorean Identities
Definition of Secant and Tangent Functions
Secant (sec θ) is the reciprocal of cosine (1/cos θ), and tangent (tan θ) is the ratio of sine to cosine (sin θ/cos θ). Understanding these definitions helps in applying identities and simplifying trigonometric expressions.
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Graphs of Secant and Cosecant Functions
Using Identities to Simplify Expressions
Trigonometric identities allow rewriting complex expressions into simpler forms. Recognizing which identity applies enables solving problems efficiently without numerical approximation or calculators.
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Simplifying Trig Expressions
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