Simplifying a trigonometric expression

In summary: We can then simplify further to get:-\frac{\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\cdot\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}}{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\cdot\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}}Now, we can cancel out the common factors and simplify to get the final answer:-\frac{1}{2}
  • #1
Alexstrasuz1
20
0
(tg 570* sin 1469) / (ctg 495 * cos 781) =
Its in degrees
 
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  • #2
Alexstrasuz said:
(tg 570* sin 1469) / (ctg 495 * cos 781) =
Its in degrees

I would first try to write everything in terms of sines and cosines, and then change all the angles to the corresponding angles in the first cycle (so $\displaystyle \begin{align*} 0^{\circ} \leq \theta < 360^{\circ} \end{align*}$...)
 
  • #3
I did it and I got [(sin30 * sin29)/cos30]/[(cos135*cos61)/sin135]
My problem is this is for exam for university application and we can't use calculator or the sheets with trigonometric table like value of sin30 etc, I am ok with algebra since my university is focusing more on chemistry.
 
  • #4
Alexstrasuz said:
I did it and I got [(sin30 * sin29)/cos30]/[(cos135*cos61)/sin135]
My problem is this is for exam for university application and we can't use calculator or the sheets with trigonometric table like value of sin30 etc, I am ok with algebra since my university is focusing more on chemistry.

Some of those values can be simplified straight away - sin(30), cos(30), cos(135) and sin(135)...
 
  • #5
When I consider that the period of the tangent and cotangent functions is $180^{\circ}$ and the period of the sine and cosine functions is $360^{\circ}$, and the fact that cotangent is an odd function, I can then rewrite the given expression as:

\(\displaystyle -\frac{\tan\left(30^{\circ}\right)\sin\left(29^{\circ}\right)}{\cot\left(45^{\circ}\right)\cos\left(61^{\circ}\right)}\)

Now, to deal with the sine and cosine function, we see the angles $29^{\circ}$ and $61^{\circ}$ are complementary...which means the sine of one is the cosine of the other and vice versa.

As for the tangent and cotangent functions, those are special angles for which we should know the values of those functions at those angles.
 

FAQ: Simplifying a trigonometric expression

What is the purpose of simplifying a trigonometric expression?

Simplifying a trigonometric expression helps to make it easier to work with and understand. It also allows for the use of trigonometric identities to solve the expression.

What are the basic steps for simplifying a trigonometric expression?

The basic steps for simplifying a trigonometric expression include: factoring out common factors, using trigonometric identities, simplifying fractions, and combining like terms.

How do I know which trigonometric identities to use when simplifying an expression?

It is important to have a good understanding of trigonometric identities and their properties. You can also use reference tables or online resources to look up the identities that are most relevant to the expression you are simplifying.

Can a trigonometric expression be simplified further if it contains variables?

Yes, a trigonometric expression with variables can also be simplified using the same steps as a regular expression. The final result may contain variables and constants, but it will be in its simplest form.

How can simplifying a trigonometric expression be useful in real-life applications?

Simplifying trigonometric expressions is useful in many fields such as engineering, physics, and astronomy. It allows for more efficient calculations and helps in understanding the relationships between trigonometric functions.

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