Tips for solving/verifying trig equations?
I always start by deducing as many sides and angles as possible. That way you have plenty of options to solve the problem. It's good since some people tnd to forget some formula, there's always another path to the solution.
It also helps to write down the relationship between the parts of the triangle on a separate side. Sometimes I forget that I have enough information to conclude something and that gives me less time to complete the other questions.
If you want to verify your answer you can use different identities to see if they agree with the angles and sides you found in the triangle.
It also helps to write down the relationship between the parts of the triangle on a separate side. Sometimes I forget that I have enough information to conclude something and that gives me less time to complete the other questions.
If you want to verify your answer you can use different identities to see if they agree with the angles and sides you found in the triangle.
Here are some tips our math teacher gave us:
1. Change everything into sin and cos. It makes it a lot easier. Make sure you know the identities (you should have a list), such as sin x / cos x = tan x, or sin^2 x + cos^2 x = 1.
2. You may have to rearrange some of the identities. For example, to find what cos^2 x is in the 2nd formula above, subtract sin^2 x on both sides, so that you get cos^2 x = 1 - sin^2 x.
2. Look at miniproofs such as the ones above that you can substitute into the equation.
3. Form common denominators for all the parts of the equation. Or, cross-multiply.
4. FOIL (First, Inner, Outer, Last) if you see that you can.
1. Change everything into sin and cos. It makes it a lot easier. Make sure you know the identities (you should have a list), such as sin x / cos x = tan x, or sin^2 x + cos^2 x = 1.
2. You may have to rearrange some of the identities. For example, to find what cos^2 x is in the 2nd formula above, subtract sin^2 x on both sides, so that you get cos^2 x = 1 - sin^2 x.
2. Look at miniproofs such as the ones above that you can substitute into the equation.
3. Form common denominators for all the parts of the equation. Or, cross-multiply.
4. FOIL (First, Inner, Outer, Last) if you see that you can.
You must practice a lot to be good in any mathematics subject. Try solving sample exercises in books, this can really sharpen up your skills in trigonometry. Also, memorize those trigonometric identities and theorems.
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