Trig identities

Here you will learn about trigonometric identities, including recognizing and working with key trigonometric identities, as well as applying algebraic skills to simplify the identities.

Students first learn how to work with trigonometric identities in Algebra II and expand that knowledge through Precalculus.

What are trigonometric identities?

Trigonometric identities are mathematical equations that involve trigonometric functions, like sine, cosine, and tangent and they are true for all values of the variables involved.

An identity is an equation that is always true.

For example, when expanding the algebraic expression 2(x+1) using the distributive property you get 2 x+2. These two functions of x are equivalent so you can write the statement: 2(x+1) \equiv 2 x+2.

The same is true for trigonometric ratios and expressions.

Let’s take a look at several equivalent expressions that are trigonometric identities.

Using the right triangle:

Trig Identities 1 US

Where O= Opposite side, A= Adjacent side, and H= Hypotenuse for the right-angled triangle with respect to angle \theta (theta). The following relationships are considered trigonometric identities because they are equivalent, equal or identical.

  • \sin(\theta)=\cfrac{O}{H}
  • \cos(\theta)=\cfrac{A}{H}
  • \tan(\theta)=\cfrac{O}{A}

Where O= Opposite side, A= Adjacent side, and H= Hypotenuse for the right-angled triangle with respect to angle \theta (theta).

Trig Identities 2 US

[FREE] Trigonometry Check for Understanding Quiz (Grade 9 to 12)

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[FREE] Trigonometry Check for Understanding Quiz (Grade 9 to 12)

[FREE] Trigonometry Check for Understanding Quiz (Grade 9 to 12)

[FREE] Trigonometry Check for Understanding Quiz (Grade 9 to 12)

Use this quiz to check your grade 9 to 12 students’ understanding of Trigonometry. 15+ questions with answers covering a range of 9th to 12th grade trigonometry topics to identify areas of strength and support!

DOWNLOAD FREE

Let’s take a look at another trigonometric relationship that is equivalent, equal, or identical, hence making it a trigonometric identity.

\tan (\theta)=\cfrac{\sin (\theta)}{\cos (\theta)}

This relationship can be proven true using the same right triangle. Substitute \sin \theta with \cfrac{O}{H} and \cos \theta with \cfrac{A}{H}.

\tan (\theta)=\cfrac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta}=\cfrac{\cfrac{O}{H}}{\cfrac{A}{H}}=\cfrac{O}{A}

This proves that \tan (\theta)=\cfrac{O}{A} which also equals \cfrac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta} meaning that \tan (\theta)=\cfrac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta} is always a true relationship so it is a trigonometric identity.

Let’s take a look at another trigonometric relationship that is equivalent, equal, or identical, hence making it a trigonometric identity.

\sin ^2(\theta)+\cos ^2(\theta)=1.

This relationship can be proven true using a right triangle. Notice how values are assigned to each of the sides. Using the numerical values might be easier to see the relationship.

Trig Identities 3 US

In this case, \sin \theta=\cfrac{3}{5} and \cos \theta=\cfrac{4}{5} so, let’s substitute those values in for \sin \theta and \cos \theta.

\begin{aligned} \sin ^2(\theta)+\cos ^2(\theta)&=1 \\\\ \left(\cfrac{3}{5}\right)^2+\left(\cfrac{4}{5}\right)^2&=1 \\\\ \cfrac{9}{25}+\cfrac{16}{25}&=1 \\\\ \cfrac{25}{25}&=1 \\\\ 1&=1 \end{aligned}

This proves that \sin ^2(\theta)+\cos ^2(\theta)=1 is a true relationship meaning that it is equivalent, equal, or identical so it is a trigonometric identity.

\sin ^2(\theta)+\cos ^2(\theta)=1 is known as a Pythagorean theorem identity because you use the Pythagorean theorem to prove it true.

Both, \tan (\theta)=\cfrac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta} and \sin ^2(\theta)+\cos ^2(\theta)=1 are identities that you can use to prove other identities.

What are trigonometric identities?

What are trigonometric identities?

Common Core State Standards

How does this apply to high school math?

  • High School Functions – Trigonometric Functions (HSF-TF.C.8)
    Prove the Pythagorean identity \sin ^2(\theta)+\cos ^2(\theta)=1 and use it to find \sin(\theta), \, \cos(\theta), or \tan(\theta) given \sin(\theta), \, \cos(\theta), or \tan(\theta) and the quadrant of the angle.

How to prove trigonometric identities

In order to prove trigonometric identities:

  1. Choose one side of the identity to simplify.
  2. Substitute values using the trigonometric ratios or another trigonometric identity.
  3. Simplify the identity.

Trigonometric identities examples

Example 1: the relationship between sin, cos and tan

Prove that the trigonometric identity is true:

\cfrac{\sin \theta)}{\cos(\theta)}=\tan(\theta)

  1. Choose one side of the identity to simplify.

In this case, use the left hand side of the identity to simplify.

2Substitute values using the trigonometric ratios or another trigonometric identity.

Using the relationships of the sides of a right triangle, you know that:

\sin (\theta)=\cfrac{O}{H}, \, \cos (\theta)=\cfrac{A}{H}, and \tan (\theta)=\cfrac{O}{A}

The equation can be rewritten to be:

\cfrac{\cfrac{O}{H}}{\cfrac{A}{H}}=\tan \theta

3Simplify the identity.

Use the rules of division of fractions:

\begin{aligned}\cfrac{\cfrac{O}{H}}{\cfrac{A}{H}}&=\tan \theta \\\\ \cfrac{O}{H} \div \cfrac{A}{H}&=\tan \theta \\\\ \cfrac{O}{H} \times \cfrac{H}{A}&=\tan \theta \\\\ \cfrac{O}{A}&=\tan \theta \\\\ \tan \theta&=\tan \theta \end{aligned}

Both sides of the equation are identical, meaning that the identity is proven to be true.

Example 2: the relationship between sin, cos and tan

Verify the identity:

\sin \theta \cot \theta \sec \theta=1

Choose one side of the identity to simplify.

Substitute values using the trigonometric ratios or another trigonometric identity.

Simplify the identity.

Example 3: the relationship between sin, cos and tan

Verify the identity:

\cot \theta=\cfrac{\cos \theta}{\sin \theta}

Choose one side of the identity to simplify.

Substitute values using the trigonometric ratios or another trigonometric identity.

Simplify the identity.

Example 4: the relationship between sin, cos and tan

Verify the identity:

\cfrac{\cot \theta \sec \theta}{\csc \theta}=1

Choose one side of the identity to simplify.

Substitute values using the trigonometric ratios or another trigonometric identity.

Simplify the identity.

Example 5: the relationship between sin, cos and tan

Verify the identity:

\sin x \sec x=\tan x

Choose one side of the identity to simplify.

Substitute values using the trigonometric ratios or another trigonometric identity.

Simplify the identity.

Example 6: using Pythagoras’ theorem to prove a trigonometric identity

Verify the identity:

\sin ^2(\theta)+\cos ^2(\theta)=1

Choose one side of the identity to simplify.

Substitute values using the trigonometric ratios or another trigonometric identity.

Simplify the identity.

Example 7: proving identities using exact trig values

Verify the identity \cos(60)=1-\sin(30) using the given right triangle.

Trig Identities 5 US

Choose one side of the identity to simplify.

Substitute values using the trigonometric ratios or another trigonometric identity.

Simplify the identity.

Teaching tips for trigonometric identities

  • Have students investigate trig identities using inquiry based platforms such as Desmos.

  • Instead of having students practice problems with worksheets, have them engage in collaborative learning activities such as jigsaw tasks, scavenger hunts, and/or gallery walks.

  • Engage students with team game-playing to review skills with platforms such as Blooket and Quizziz.

Easy mistakes to make

  • Treating an identity like an equation
    You do not solve an identity by balancing both sides of the equal sign like an equation. An identity is a statement where two expressions or functions are mathematically identical. For example, 3x+6\equiv{3}(x+2) because when it is factored, the expression becomes 3(x+2).

  • Mixing up the right triangle trigonometric ratios
    It is key to remember the three trig ratios that are written as the mnemonic SOHCAHTOA. This way you will not confuse the relationships between the sides and the angles.

    \begin{aligned}\sin \theta & =\cfrac{O}{H} \\\\ \cos \theta & =\cfrac{A}{H} \\\\ \tan \theta & =\cfrac{O}{A} \\\\ \csc \theta & =\cfrac{H}{O} \text { (reciprocal of the sine) } \\\\ \sec \theta & =\cfrac{H}{A} \text { (reciprocal of the cosine) } \\\\ \cot \theta & =\cfrac{A}{O} \text { (reciprocal of the tangent) } \end{aligned}

Practice trigonometric identities questions

1. Which of the following trigonometric identities is mathematically correct?

\sin(\theta)\times\cos(\theta)=\tan(\theta)
GCSE Quiz False

\sin(\theta)+\cos(\theta)=\tan(\theta)
GCSE Quiz False

\sin(\theta)\div\cos(\theta)=\tan(\theta)
GCSE Quiz True

\sin(\theta)-\cos(\theta)=\tan(\theta)
GCSE Quiz False

From SOHCAHTOA, you know that \sin(\theta)=\cfrac{O}{H} and \cos(\theta)=\cfrac{A}{H},

 

This means that:

 

\sin(\theta)\div\cos(\theta)=\cfrac{O}{H} \div \cfrac{A}{H}=\cfrac{O}{H}\times \cfrac{H}{A}=\cfrac{OH}{HA}=\cfrac{O}{A}=\tan(\theta)

2. Which of the following trigonometric identities is mathematically correct?

\sin \theta \csc \theta=\cot \theta
GCSE Quiz False

\cos \theta \csc \theta=\cot \theta
GCSE Quiz True

\cos \theta \csc \theta=\tan \theta
GCSE Quiz False

\cos \theta \sin \theta=\cot \theta
GCSE Quiz False

Using the trigonometric ratios from SOHCAHTOA, you know that \cos \theta=\cfrac{A}{H} and \csc \theta=\cfrac{H}{O}

 

Rewrite the trigonometric identity to be:

 

\left(\cfrac{A}{H}\right)\left(\cfrac{H}{O}\right)=\cot \theta

 

Simplify the left hand side of the identity,

 

\left(\cfrac{A}{O}\right)=\cot \theta

 

From SOHCAHTOA, the cotangent is the reciprocal of the tangent. So, if \tan \theta=\cfrac{O}{A} then it is true that \cot \theta=\cfrac{A}{o}

 

So,

 

\begin{aligned}& \left(\cfrac{A}{O}\right)=\cot \theta \\\\ & \cot \theta=\cot \theta \end{aligned}

 

You can also use the identity that \csc \theta=\cfrac{1}{\sin \theta} because the sine is the reciprocal of the cosecant which means you can rewrite the identity to be:

 

\begin{aligned} \cos \theta \times \cfrac{1}{\sin \theta}&=\cot \theta \\\\ \cfrac{\cos \theta}{\sin \theta}&=\cot \theta \end{aligned}

3. Which of the following trigonometric functions is identical to \cfrac{\tan(\theta)}{\sin(\theta)}?

\cos(\theta)
GCSE Quiz False

\sec(\theta)
GCSE Quiz False

\cos^{2}(\theta)
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{1}{\cos(\theta)}
GCSE Quiz True

Using the right triangle ratios from SOHCAHTOA, you know that

 

\sin(\theta)=\cfrac{O}{H}, \, \tan(\theta)=\cfrac{O}{A}, and \cos(\theta)=\cfrac{A}{H},

 

\tan(\theta)\div\sin(\theta) is equivalent to

 

\begin{aligned}=&\cfrac{O}{A}\div\cfrac{O}{H} \\\\ =&\cfrac{O}{A}\times\cfrac{H}{O} \\\\ =&\cfrac{OH}{AO} \\\\ =&\cfrac{H}{A} \\\\ =&\cfrac{1}{\cos(\theta)} \end{aligned}Β 

 

\begin{aligned}& \cfrac{\tan \theta}{\sin \theta}=\cfrac{1}{\cos \theta} \\\\ & \cfrac{1}{\cos \theta}=\cfrac{1}{\cos \theta} \end{aligned}

4. Which solution is identical to 2\cos(45)\times\sin(45)?

Use the triangle below to help you.

Trig Identities 7 US

\sqrt{2}
GCSE Quiz False

1
GCSE Quiz True

2\sqrt{2}
GCSE Quiz False

2
GCSE Quiz False

Using the right triangle and the ratios from SOHCAHTOA,

 

Trig Identities 8 US

 

\begin{aligned}&\begin{aligned}& \cos \theta=\cfrac{A}{H} \\\\ & \cos 45=\cfrac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \end{aligned} \\\\ &\begin{aligned}& \sin \theta=\cfrac{O}{H} \\\\ & \sin 45=\cfrac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \end{aligned} \end{aligned}

 

\begin{aligned}& \cfrac{\tan \theta}{\sin \theta}=\cfrac{1}{\cos \theta} \\\\ & \cfrac{1}{\cos \theta}=\cfrac{1}{\cos \theta} \end{aligned}

 

Rewrite the identity to be:

 

\begin{aligned}& 2\left(\cfrac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\right) \times 2\left(\cfrac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\right)=4\left(\cfrac{1}{\sqrt{4}}\right) \\\\ & 4\left(\cfrac{1}{\sqrt{4}}\right)=4 \times \cfrac{1}{2}=\cfrac{4}{2}=2\end{aligned}

 

This verifies that

 

2=2

5. Select the expression that is identical to \cfrac{\cos \theta \tan \theta}{\sin \theta}.

1
GCSE Quiz True

\tan^{2}(\theta)
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{1}{\tan(\theta)}
GCSE Quiz False

\cfrac{\cos^{2}(\theta)}{\sin^{2}(\theta)}
GCSE Quiz False

Using the ratios from SOHCAHTOA, you know that:

 

\begin{aligned}\cos \theta & =\cfrac{A}{H} \\\\ \tan \theta & =\cfrac{A}{O} \\\\ \sin \theta & =\cfrac{O}{H} \end{aligned}

 

Rewrite the identity to be:

 

\left(\cfrac{A}{H} \times \cfrac{O}{A}\right) \div \cfrac{O}{H}Β 

 

Using rules for multiplying and dividing fractions,

 

\cfrac{O}{H} \times \cfrac{H}{O}=\cfrac{O H}{O H}=1

 

Another way to solve it would be to use the identity that

 

\tan \theta=\cfrac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta}

 

Rewrite the identity to be:

 

\begin{aligned}& \cfrac{\cos \theta \times \cfrac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta}}{\sin \theta} \\\\ & \cfrac{\sin \theta}{\sin \theta}=1 \end{aligned}

6. Select the expression that is identical to \cfrac{\sin(\theta)}{\sqrt{1-\sin^{2}(\theta)}}?

\sin(\theta)
GCSE Quiz False

\cos(\theta)
GCSE Quiz False

\tan(\theta)
GCSE Quiz True

\cos^{2}(\theta)
GCSE Quiz False

Using the Pythagorean identity, \sin ^2 \theta+\cos ^2 \theta=1

 

The identity can be rearranged by solving for \cos \theta\text{:}

 

\begin{aligned}& \cos ^2 \theta=1-\sin ^2 \theta \\\\ & \cos \theta=\sqrt{1-\sin ^2 \theta} \end{aligned}

 

Rewrite the identity to be:

 

\cfrac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta}Β 

 

You know from SOHCAHTOA that

 

\begin{aligned}& \sin \theta=\cfrac{O}{H} \\\\ & \cos \theta=\cfrac{A}{H} \end{aligned}

 

So, \cfrac{\cfrac{O}{H}}{\cfrac{A}{H}}=\cfrac{O}{H} \div \cfrac{A}{H}=\cfrac{O}{H} \times \cfrac{H}{A}=\cfrac{O}{A}

 

\cfrac{O}{A}=\tan \theta

 

But, \cfrac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta}=\tan \theta is an identity that can be used to verify other identities.

Trigonometric identities FAQs

Do you always have to use the ratios from SOHCAHTOA?

No, you can use other relationships to help verify identities such as secant being the reciprocal of cosine, cotangent being the reciprocal of the tangent, etc.

Are there other identities other than reciprocal identities and Pythagorean trigonometric identities?

Yes, as you continue to learn about trig identities, there are other fundamental trigonometric identities that you will learn how to verify and use, cofunction identities, sum identities, difference identities, product identities, half-angle identities, and double angle identities. They are also referred to as double-angle formulas, half-angle formulas, difference formulas, and sum formulas.

Can the unit circle help you to solve identities?

Yes, the unit circle is helpful when verifying identities because it can be used as a base for proving identities. The unit circle has a radius of 1 and special right triangles can be formed within it where the radius of 1 is the hypotenuse of the triangles.

How do you solve trigonometric equations?

In order to solve trigonometric equations, you may have to apply fundamental trigonometric identities and the unit circle to find the radian measure of the angles in the equation.

Are the sine and cosine complements of each other?

Yes, the sine and cosine are complementary.

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