Trig Identities and Equations

Apply fundamental trig identities and solve trig equations for the ACT.

The ACT occasionally tests trig identities and simple trig equations. Knowing the fundamental identities saves time.

Fundamental Identities

Pythagorean Identities

sin2θ+cos2θ=1\sin^2\theta + \cos^2\theta = 1

1+tan2θ=sec2θ1 + \tan^2\theta = \sec^2\theta

1+cot2θ=csc2θ1 + \cot^2\theta = \csc^2\theta

Reciprocal Identities

cscθ=1sinθ\csc\theta = \frac{1}{\sin\theta}, secθ=1cosθ\sec\theta = \frac{1}{\cos\theta}, cotθ=1tanθ\cot\theta = \frac{1}{\tan\theta}

Quotient Identities

tanθ=sinθcosθ\tan\theta = \frac{\sin\theta}{\cos\theta}, cotθ=cosθsinθ\cot\theta = \frac{\cos\theta}{\sin\theta}

Solving Trig Equations

2sinθ1=02\sin\theta - 1 = 0sinθ=12\sin\theta = \frac{1}{2}θ=30°,150°\theta = 30°, 150° (in [0°,360°][0°, 360°]).

cos2θ=34\cos^2\theta = \frac{3}{4}cosθ=±32\cos\theta = \pm\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}θ=30°,150°,210°,330°\theta = 30°, 150°, 210°, 330°.

Practice Problems

    1. Simplify sin2θ1cosθ\frac{\sin^2\theta}{1 - \cos\theta}.
    1. Solve tanθ=1\tan\theta = 1 for 0°θ<360°0° \leq \theta < 360°.
    1. If sinθ=35\sin\theta = \frac{3}{5} and θ\theta is in Q2, find cosθ\cos\theta.

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Key Takeaways

  • sin2+cos2=1\sin^2 + \cos^2 = 1 is the most-used identity.

  • Use identities to simplify before solving.

  • Find all solutions in the given interval.

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