Verify that each equation is an identity. 2 cos² θ - 1 = (1 - tan² θ)/(1 + tan² θ)
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Start by recognizing that the left side of the equation, \$2 \cos^2 \theta - 1\(, can be rewritten using the double angle identity for cosine: \)\cos(2\theta) = 2\cos^2\theta - 1\(. Therefore, the left side simplifies to \)\cos(2\theta)$.
Next, focus on the right side of the equation: \(\frac{1 - \tan^2 \theta}{1 + \tan^2 \theta}\). Recall the identity \(\tan^2 \theta = \frac{\sin^2 \theta}{\cos^2 \theta}\) and substitute it into the expression.
Simplify the expression on the right side: \(\frac{1 - \frac{\sin^2 \theta}{\cos^2 \theta}}{1 + \frac{\sin^2 \theta}{\cos^2 \theta}}\). This can be rewritten as \(\frac{\cos^2 \theta - \sin^2 \theta}{\cos^2 \theta + \sin^2 \theta}\).
Use the Pythagorean identity \(\cos^2 \theta + \sin^2 \theta = 1\) to simplify the denominator, resulting in \(\frac{\cos^2 \theta - \sin^2 \theta}{1} = \cos^2 \theta - \sin^2 \theta\).
Recognize that \(\cos^2 \theta - \sin^2 \theta\) is another form of the double angle identity for cosine: \(\cos(2\theta)\). Thus, both sides of the equation simplify to \(\cos(2\theta)\), verifying the identity.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Trigonometric Identities
Trigonometric identities are equations that hold true for all values of the variable where both sides are defined. Common identities include the Pythagorean identities, reciprocal identities, and quotient identities. Understanding these identities is crucial for verifying equations, as they provide the foundational relationships between different trigonometric functions.
The cosine function, denoted as cos(θ), relates the angle θ to the ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse in a right triangle. The tangent function, tan(θ), is the ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side, or equivalently, tan(θ) = sin(θ)/cos(θ). Recognizing how these functions interact is essential for manipulating and simplifying trigonometric expressions.
Algebraic manipulation involves rearranging and simplifying equations using algebraic rules. This includes factoring, expanding, and combining like terms. In the context of verifying trigonometric identities, effective algebraic manipulation allows one to transform one side of the equation to match the other, confirming the identity's validity.