PRE-CALCULUS
MODULE 5: FUNDAMENTAL IDENTITIES
Did you know that one of the most (if not the most) famous theorems in
mathematics is the Pythagorean Theorem? It is named after its creator, Pythagoras,
a Greek mathematician and philosopher. And probably, the most important
trigonometric identity is the Pythagorean identity, which this module discusses.
Module 5 introduces the trigonometric equations-conditional and identity, and focuses
on the later. It tackles reciprocal and quotient identities and shows the derivation of
the famous Pythagorean Identities. This module also talks about simplifying
trigonometric expressions and proving identities.
Learning Objectives
Having successfully completed this module you will be
able to:
(1) determine whether an equation involving circular
functions is an identity or a conditional equation;
(2) derive the fundamental trigonometric identities;
(3) use the fundamental identities to simplify
trigonometric expressions; and
(4) prove trigonometric identities.
PRE-CALCULUS
As discussed in your algebra class few years ago, an equation is a statement asserting that
two expressions are equal. Let’s see if you can still remember how to solve equations. Solve the
following:
1. 7𝑥 − 2 = 5𝑥 + 8. Answer: 𝑥 = 5
2𝑤−3
2. 3
=𝑤−3 Answer: 𝑤 = 6
3. (𝑥 − 1)2 = 2(1 − 𝑥) Answer: 𝑥 = ±1
Were you able to answer all the questions correctly? Good! What if answers were not
provided? How will you know if your answer is correct? Simply replace the variable in the equation
with the value obtained. If the value satisfied the equation, then your answer is correct. Now, try
to solve the equation (𝑥 − 3)2 = 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9. What did you notice? Try to replace the variable with
1. How about 2? Try to use any number.
Recall that when an equation is true for every value of the variable, the equation is called
an identity equation. However, if the equation only holds for some values, it’s called a conditional
equation. So, how will you know if the equation is an identity equation? If you ended up with
0 = 0, 1 = 1, 𝑎 = 𝑎, or if you can derive one side of the equation from the other side by series of
manipulations, then we say that it’s an identity equation. Just like in the equation
(𝑥 − 3)2 = 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9, the left hand side can still be simplified.
(𝑥 − 3)2 = 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9
(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 3) = 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9
𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 3𝑥 + 9 = 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9
𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9 = 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9
The equation is true for all values of 𝑥. Thus, (𝑥 − 3)2 = 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9 is an identity equation,
while the first three are conditional equations. These definitions of conditional and identity also
apply to equations involving circular functions.
PRE-CALCULUS
An equation involving circular functions of 𝜃 is an identity equation if the equation is true
for any value of 𝜃 for which the functions are defined. Otherwise, the equation is called
conditional.
Example 1: Determine whether 2 cos 𝜃 = 1 is an identity or a conditional equation.
Solution:
1
Dividing both sides of the equation by 2, you get cos 𝜃 = 2.
1 √3
Recall that when 𝜃 = 60°, cos 60° = 2, but when 𝜃 = 30°, cos 30° = 2
.
1
It means that the equation cos 𝜃 = 2 only holds for some values of 𝜃.
Therefore, the equation is a conditional equation.
1
Example 2: Determine if csc 𝜃 = is an identity or a conditional equation.
sin𝜃
Solution:
We start with the left side of the equation. As discussed in module 5, we have,
1
csc 𝜃 = 𝑦 definition of cosecant function
1
= sin 𝜃 definition of sine function
Using simple manipulations, we have shown that the right side of the equation can be
derived from the other side.
1
∴ csc 𝜃 = sin𝜃 is true for any value of 𝜃 for which the cosecant function is defined.
Hence, the equation is an identity equation.
Example 3. Determine whether cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃 + cos 𝜃 = 0 is an identity or a conditional equation.
Solution:
We start by factoring the left side of the equation.
cos 𝜃 (sin 𝜃 + 1) = 0
cos 𝜃 = 0 or sin 𝜃 + 1 = 0
sin 𝜃 = −1
Note that cos 90° = 0 while cos 180° = −1 and sin 90° = 1 while sin 270° = −1,
which means that cos 𝜃 = 0 and sin 𝜃 = −1 only hold for some values of 𝜃. Therefore,
the equation is a conditional equation.
PRE-CALCULUS
Notice that for examples 1 and 3, we just looked for values that will satisfy and will not satisfy
the given equation, so we can say that the equation is true for some values only. Finding the
solution for a given trigonometric equation will be discussed in the last module.
EXERCISE 1
Determine whether each of the following equations is a conditional equation or
an identity equation. If it is a conditional equation, write CE and identify the
value(s) of the variable that will make the equation true. Otherwise, write IE.
1. −7 − 2(5 + 3𝑚) = −6𝑚 − 17 6. −3 = −4 + 2 sin 𝑥
1 2 7. sin 𝑥 + cos 𝑥 cot 𝑥 = csc 𝑥
2. 1 + 𝑛+7 = 𝑛+7
𝑣−8 1 1 8. −10(1 + 𝑥) − 12 = −22 − 10𝑥
3. 3𝑣 2 +9𝑣
+ 3𝑣 2 +9𝑣 = 𝑣+3 4 𝑥 5 97
9. − 3 ∙ |2 + 2| − 2 + 18 = 0
𝑥 𝑥 2 −3𝑥−18
4. 𝑥−4
− 1 = 𝑥 2 −4𝑥 10. 8(𝑥 + 7) − 7(2𝑥 + 8) + 6𝑥 = 0
5. sin 𝑥 cot 𝑥 = cos 𝑥
As we go on with the lesson, bear in mind the following important concepts:
Reciprocal Identities
1 1 1
csc 𝜃 = sin 𝜃 sec 𝜃 = cos 𝜃 cot 𝜃 = tan 𝜃
Quotient Identities
sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃
tan 𝜃 = cos 𝜃 cot 𝜃 = sin 𝜃
The above mentioned identities were already derived in the previous module with the aid
of the unit circle. Let’s use the same to derive the three Pythagorean Identities.
For the first Pythagorean Identity:
begin with the circle equation 𝑦2 + 𝑥2 = 𝑟2
𝑦2 𝑥2 𝑟2 𝑦 2 𝑥 2
divide both sides by 𝑟 2 𝑟2
+ 𝑟2 = 𝑟2 → ( 𝑟 ) + (𝑟 ) = 1
𝑦 𝑥
use sin 𝜃 = and cos 𝜃 = : sin2 𝜃 + cos2 𝜃 = 1
𝑟 𝑟
For the second Pythagorean Identity:
𝑦2 𝑥2 1 𝑦 2 1 2
divide both sides of the unit circle equation by 𝑥 2 𝑥2
+ 𝑥2 = 𝑥2 → (𝑥 ) + 1 = (𝑥)
𝑦 1
use tan 𝜃 = 𝑥
and sec 𝜃 = 𝑥: tan2 𝜃 + 1 = sec 2 𝜃
For the third Pythagorean Identity:
𝑦2 𝑥2 1 𝑥 2 1 2
divide both sides of the unit circle equation by 𝑦 2 𝑦2
+ 𝑦2 = 𝑦2 → 1 + (𝑦) = (𝑦)
𝑥 1
use cot 𝜃 = 𝑦
and csc 𝜃 = 𝑦: 1 + cot 2 𝜃 = csc 2 𝜃
We now have:
Pythagorean Identities
sin2 𝜃 + cos 2 𝜃 = 1 tan2 𝜃 + 1 = sec 2 𝜃 1 + cot 2 𝜃 = csc 2 𝜃
PRE-CALCULUS
The good thing about knowing these identities is that we can use them to simplify a
complicated expression involving circular functions.
Hint: When simplifying, it’s always better to write all expressions in terms of the sine and cosine
functions.
tan 𝜃 cos 𝜃
Example 4: Simplify the expression sin 𝜃
.
tan 𝜃 cos 𝜃 cos 𝜃
Solution: sin 𝜃
= tan 𝜃 ∙ sin 𝜃
sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃
= ∙
cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃
=1
tan 𝜃 cos 𝜃
∴ =1
sin 𝜃
Example 5: Simplify the expression sin 𝜃 + cos 𝜃 cot 𝜃.
cos 𝜃
Solution: sin 𝜃 + cos 𝜃 cot 𝜃 = sin 𝜃 + cos 𝜃 ∙ sin 𝜃
cos2 𝜃
= sin 𝜃 +
sin 𝜃
sin2 𝜃+cos2 𝜃
= sin 𝜃
1
=
sin 𝜃
= csc 𝜃
∴ sin 𝜃 + cos 𝜃 cot 𝜃 = csc 𝜃
Example 6: Show that the expression (1 − cos2 𝜃)(1 + cot 2 𝜃) when simplified is 1.
cos2 𝜃
Solution: (1 − cos2 𝜃)(1 + cot 2 𝜃) = (1 − cos2 𝜃) (1 + )
sin2 𝜃
sin2 𝜃 + cos2 𝜃
= (1 − cos 2 𝜃) ( )
sin2 𝜃
1
= (1 − cos 2 𝜃) ( 2 )
sin 𝜃
2
1
= sin 𝜃 ( 2 )
sin 𝜃
=1
∴ (1 − cos2 𝜃)(1 + cot 2 𝜃) = 1
PRE-CALCULUS
sec 𝜃sin2 𝜃
Example 7: Show that the expression 1+sec 𝜃
is equal to 1 − cos 𝜃.
1
sec 𝜃sin2 𝜃 ∙sin2 𝜃
Solution: 1+sec 𝜃
= cos 𝜃 1
1+
cos 𝜃
sin2 𝜃
= cos 𝜃
cos 𝜃 + 1
cos 𝜃
sin2 𝜃 cos 𝜃 + 1
= ÷
cos 𝜃 cos 𝜃
2
sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃
= ∙
cos 𝜃 cos 𝜃 + 1
sin2 𝜃
=
cos 𝜃 + 1
1 − cos2 𝜃
=
1 + cos 𝜃
(1 − cos 𝜃)(1 + cos 𝜃)
=
1 + cos 𝜃
= 1 − cos 𝜃
sec 𝜃 sin2 𝜃
∴ = 1 − cos 𝜃
1 + sec 𝜃
EXERCISE 2
Now, it’s your turn. Simplify the following trigonometric expressions.
1. tan 𝑥(csc 𝑥 − sin 𝑥)
1+cot 𝑥
2. csc 𝑥
sin4 𝑥−cos4 𝑥
3. sin2𝑥−cos2𝑥
PRE-CALCULUS
Identities provide us a way of rewriting an expression into another form, possibly simpler,
more workable, or more suitable for our needs and fundamental identities can also be used to
establish or prove other identities involving circular functions. In proving an identity, the main goal
is to show that both sides of the equation are equal or identical. Although, there is actually no
specific method or formula to be followed in proving identities, the following guidelines could help
you in proving an identity.
1. Choose one side of the equation to start with, preferably the more complicated side.
2. Manipulate the chosen side to arrive at the expression on the other side by using identities
and equations. Go over basic algebra like operations on fractions and factoring as these
topics will be needed to manipulate or simplify expressions.
3. Oftentimes, it’s better if you express all functions in terms of sine and cosine.
1
Example 8: Prove: 1 + tan2 𝜃 = .
1−sin2 𝜃
Solution: Start with the right side of the equation.
1 1
1−sin2 𝜃
= (sin2 𝜃+cos2 𝜃)−sin2 𝜃 sin2 𝜃 + cos2 𝜃 = 1 (Pythagorean Identity)
1
= cos2𝜃 (sin2 𝜃 + cos2 𝜃) − sin2 𝜃 = cos 2 𝜃
1
= sec 2 𝜃 sec 𝜃 = cos 𝜃 (Reciprocal Identity)
= 1 + tan2 𝜃 tan2 𝜃 + 1 = sec 2 𝜃 (Pythagorean Identity)
1
∴ 1 + tan2 𝜃 = 1−sin2𝜃
You might want to ask if you can begin with the left side. Let’s try.
Start with the left side of the equation.
1 + tan2 𝜃 = sec 2 𝜃 tan2 𝜃 + 1 = sec 2 𝜃 (Pythagorean Identity)
1 1
= cos2𝜃 sec 𝜃 = (Reciprocal Identity)
cos 𝜃
1
= 1−sin2𝜃 sin 𝜃 + cos2 𝜃 = 1 → cos2 𝜃 = 1 − sin2 𝜃
2
1
∴ 1 + tan2 𝜃 = 1−sin2𝜃 (Pythagorean Identity)
We have shown that, for example 8, you can actually begin with any side of the equation.
PRE-CALCULUS
1−sec 𝜃
Example 9: Prove: sin 𝜃−tan 𝜃 = csc 𝜃.
Solution: Obviously, the left side is more complicated, so start with the left side of the equation.
1
1−sec 𝜃 1− 1 sin 𝜃
sin 𝜃−tan 𝜃
= cos 𝜃
sin 𝜃 sec 𝜃 = cos 𝜃 and tan 𝜃 = cos 𝜃
sin 𝜃−
cos 𝜃
cos 𝜃−1
cos 𝜃
= sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃−sin 𝜃
cos 𝜃
cos 𝜃−1
=
sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃−sin 𝜃
cos 𝜃−1
= sin 𝜃 (cos 𝜃−1)
1
= sin 𝜃
= csc 𝜃
1 − sec 𝜃
∴ = csc 𝜃
sin 𝜃 − tan 𝜃
sin 𝜃 1+cos 𝜃
Example 10: Prove: =
1−cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃
Solution:
It may be tempting, but we cannot cross multiply the given equation. Note that when we
cross multiply, we are already assuming that the equation is an identity equation, which we are
still going to prove. Though we can multiple both numerator and denominator of the fraction by
the same expression (it’s the same as multiplying the fraction by 1). Let’s say, we wanted to begin
with the left side and the result should contain 1 + cos 𝜃 . So, we have
sin 𝜃 sin 𝜃 1+cos 𝜃 1+cos 𝜃
= 1−cos 𝜃 ∙ 1+cos 𝜃 =1
1−cos 𝜃 1+cos 𝜃
sin 𝜃(1+cos 𝜃)
= (1−cos 𝜃)(1+cos 𝜃)
sin 𝜃(1+cos 𝜃)
= 1−cos2 𝜃
sin 𝜃(1+cos 𝜃)
= sin2 𝜃
1+cos 𝜃
= sin 𝜃
sin 𝜃 1+cos 𝜃
∴ 1−cos 𝜃 = .
sin 𝜃
1+cos 𝜃
What if we want to begin with the right side, what should we do? The right side is and the
sin 𝜃
result should contain 1 − cos 𝜃 so we multiply both the numerator and denominator by 1 − cos 𝜃.
PRE-CALCULUS
1+cos 𝜃 1+cos 𝜃 1−cos 𝜃
= ∙ 1−cos 𝜃
sin 𝜃 sin 𝜃
(1+cos 𝜃)(1−cos 𝜃)
= sin 𝜃(1−cos 𝜃)
1−cos2 𝜃
= sin 𝜃(1−cos 𝜃)
sin2 𝜃
= sin 𝜃(1−cos 𝜃)
sin 𝜃
= 1−cos 𝜃
sin 𝜃 1+cos 𝜃
∴ 1−cos 𝜃 = sin 𝜃
We have shown that, for example 10, you can actually begin with any side of the equation.
PRE-CALCULUS
To gauge your understanding of our topics, you are tasked to answer the next.
Your score here would be a part of your summative written work assessment for the
second grading period.
Make sure to read and follow the instructions carefully. The best of luck!
Keep
calm,
it’s
quiz time
