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1 of 7

PRECALCULUS 5.1 FUNDAMENTAL IDENTITIES

CHAPTER 2: TRIGONOMETRY Reciprocal and Quotient Identities are definitions or immediate

consequences of tan 𝜃, cot 𝜃, sec 𝜃, csc 𝜃.
LESSON 5: IDENTITIES, EQUATIONS, INEQUALITIES INVOLVING
CIRCULAR OR TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS 1 1
sin 𝜃 = → csc 𝜃 = → sin 𝜃 csc 𝜃 = 1
csc 𝜃 sin 𝜃
5.1 Fundamental Identities
5.2 General Addition Formulas and Co-function Identities 1 1
cos 𝜃 = → sec 𝜃 = → cos 𝜃 sec 𝜃 = 1
5.3 Double and Half Angle Identities sec 𝜃 cos 𝜃
4.4 Sum or Product of Trigonometric Functions
1 1
5.5 Trigonometric Equations tan 𝜃 = → cot 𝜃 = → tan 𝜃 cot 𝜃 = 1
cot 𝜃 tan 𝜃

sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃
Recall: tan 𝜃 = cot 𝜃 =
cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃
Identities are equations which are true for all values that do not give
undefined terms. For example, 𝑠𝑖𝑛$ 𝑠 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 $ 𝑠 = 1 is an identity. Pythagorean Identities
The identity 𝑠𝑖𝑛$ 𝑠 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 $ 𝑠 = 1 has been discussed in chapter one.
If there is a value that makes an equation false, then that equation is not Replacing 𝑠 by 𝜃 we have the identity,
an identity.
𝑠𝑖𝑛$ 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 $ 𝜃 = 1
To show that an equation is not an identity, it is enough to find a fixed
value of the variable(s) that makes/make the equation false. For example, Dividing both sides by 𝑠𝑖𝑛$ 𝜃,
0
cos 𝜃 = sin 𝜃 is not an identity since it is not true for 𝜃 = . A statement
1 𝑠𝑖𝑛$ 𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠 $ 𝜃 1
which is true for some values of the variables and false for others is called $
+ =
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛$ 𝜃
$
a conditional.
Simplifying,
1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡 $ 𝜃 = 𝑐𝑠𝑐 $ 𝜃 , 𝜃 ≠ 𝑛𝜋, 𝑛 ∈ ℤ
In this chapter, we are going to deal with identities, conditional equations,
and inequalities that involve circular or trigonometric function values.
 Page 2 of 7

Another way to verify the previous identity is by starting with either side LMN B @O> A B
Example 1: Reduce into a single function of the given argument.
of the equation and converting this expression in terms of the other. EK>?P A B

Solution: In order to do this, use the previously discussed identities and

Let us start with the left-hand side.
convert the given functions in terms of sin 𝜃 and cos 𝜃.
>?@ A B
Express 𝑐𝑜𝑡 $ 𝜃 in terms of sin 𝜃 and cos 𝜃. 1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡 $ 𝜃 = 1 + cot 𝜃 𝑠𝑒𝑐 $ 𝜃 cot 𝜃 𝑠𝑒𝑐 $ 𝜃
@CDA B
=
1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡 $ 𝜃 𝑐𝑠𝑐 $ 𝜃
Combine into single fraction
𝑠𝑖𝑛$ 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 $ 𝜃 cos 𝜃 1
1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡 𝜃 =$ ∙
𝑠𝑖𝑛$ 𝜃 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 $
=
1
But 𝑠𝑖𝑛$ 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 $ 𝜃 = 1, so we have sin 𝜃 $
cos 𝜃 1 sin 𝜃 $
= ∙ ∙
1 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 $ 1
1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡 $ 𝜃 =
𝑠𝑖𝑛$ 𝜃 sin 𝜃
$ =
1 cos 𝜃
1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡 $ 𝜃 =
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 sin 𝜃
= tan 𝜃 𝑜𝑟
E ± 1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛$ 𝜃
By the reciprocal identity, = csc 𝜃,
FGH B
In proving identities, one may follow some aids:
$ $
And so we have, 1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡 𝜃 = 𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝜃. 1. Often times, but not always, it is useful to express all functions in terms
of sine and cosine.
On the other hand, dividing both sides of 𝑠𝑖𝑛$ 𝜃 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 $ 𝜃 = 1 by 𝑐𝑜𝑠 $ 𝜃,
we will have, 2. Choose the more complicated-looking side of the equation and simplify
it until you get an expression equal to the other side.
$DKE
𝑡𝑎𝑛$ 𝜃 + 1 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 $ 𝜃 , 𝜃 ≠ 𝜋, 𝑛 ∈ ℤ
$
3. Manipulate both sides of the equation independently to transform each
into the same expression.
Note: To verify an identity,
a. reduce one side to the other side 4. To manipulate, one may use algebraic operations (+, −, ×, ÷,
𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛), expressing fractions as one term, breaking up fractions,
b. reduce each side separately to the same form
multiplying by an expression equivalent to 1.
c. start with a known identity and then perform permissible operations on
both sides of the identity.
 Page 3 of 7

Prove the following identities.

E[P\DA ] F_L BKE N`H B We are going to use these equations to derive a formula for sin 𝐴 + 𝐵 .
1. = 1 − 2𝑠𝑖𝑛$ 𝑥 2. =
EKP\DA ] N`H B F_L B[E
𝜋
LMN B K LFL B >?Pb[>@>bKE @CDb 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐴 + 𝐵 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 − 𝐴+𝐵
3. + sec 𝜃 = 0 4. = 2
FGH B[LMN B[LFL B >?PbK>@>b[E EK>?@b
𝜋
−𝐴 −𝐵
= cos
2
5.2 GENERAL ADDITION FORMULAS AND COFUNCTION
0 0
IDENTITIES = cos − 𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 + sin
$ $
− 𝐴 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵

From the special reduction formulas obtained in chapter 1 and the sin (𝐴 + 𝐵) = sin 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 + cos 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐵
relationship between trigonometric and circular functions, we have the
following: Replacing 𝐵 by – 𝐵, we get

Let A and B be angle measures. sin (𝐴 − 𝐵) = sin 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 − cos 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐵

cos 𝐴 − 𝐵 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵 Let us derive formulas for tan(𝐴 − 𝐵) and tan(𝐴 + 𝐵) using the sum
FGH B
formulas for sine and cosine and the ratio identity, tan 𝜃 = .
LMF B
sin(𝐴 + 𝐵)
cos 𝐴 + 𝐵 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵 tan 𝐴 + 𝐵 =
cos(𝐴 + 𝐵)
0 sin 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 + cos 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐵
Prove: cos − 𝜃 = sin 𝜃 =
$ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
cos − 𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 cos 𝜃 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵
2 2 2 +
= 0 ∙ cos 𝜃 + 1 ∙ sin 𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵
= sin 𝜃 −
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵
0 0 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐴 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐵
Let 𝐵 = − 𝜃. This implies 𝜃 = − 𝐵 and we will have a co-function tan (𝐴 + 𝐵) =
$ $
1 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐴𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐵
identity
Similarly, we can obtain the identity
0
cos 𝐵 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 −𝐵 . 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐴 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐵
$
tan (𝐴 − 𝐵) =
Also, 1 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐴𝑡𝑎𝑛𝐵
𝜋
sin 𝐵 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −𝐵
2
 Page 4 of 7

For the other four co-function identities, we can use ratio and reciprocal 5.3 DOUBLE AND HALF ANGLE IDENTITIES
identities.
To obtain identities for 2𝜃, we are going to use the previously discussed
𝜋 identities under section 3.2 General Addition Formulas
𝜋 sin −𝐵 cos 𝐵
tan −𝐵 = 2 = = cot 𝐵
2 𝜋 sin 𝐵
cos −𝐵 From cos 𝐴 + 𝐵 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵, let us replace A and B by 𝜃
2
so we have
𝜋
𝜋 cos −𝐵 sin 𝐵 cos 2θ = cos θ + θ = 𝑐𝑜𝑠θ𝑐𝑜𝑠θ − 𝑠𝑖𝑛θ𝑠𝑖𝑛θ
𝑐𝑜𝑡 −𝐵 = 2 = = tan 𝐵
2 𝜋 cos 𝐵
sin
2
−𝐵 cos 2θ = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 $ θ − 𝑠𝑖𝑛$ θ
𝜋 1 1
sec −𝐵 = 𝜋 = = 𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝐵 In terms of cosine, cos 2θ = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 $ θ − 𝑠𝑖𝑛$ θ
2 cos −𝐵 sin 𝐵
2 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 $ θ − (1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 $ θ)
𝜋 1 1
csc −𝐵 = 𝜋 = = sec 𝐵 cos 2θ = 2𝑐𝑜𝑠 $ θ − 1
2 sin −𝐵 cos 𝐵
2
Also, in terms of sine, cos 2θ = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 $ θ − 𝑠𝑖𝑛$ θ
f0
Example 1: Using general addition formulas, evaluate sin . = 1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛$ θ − 𝑠𝑖𝑛$ θ
E$
f0
Solution: Express as a sum or difference of two special angles. cos 2θ = 1 − 2𝑠𝑖𝑛$ θ
E$
f0 0 0
We have = + . So,
E$ 1 g For 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜃,
5𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝑠𝑖𝑛2θ = sin θ + θ = sin θ cos θ + cos θ sin θ
sin = sin +
12 6 4
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 sin 2θ = 2 sin θ cos θ
= sin 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + cos 𝑠𝑖𝑛
6 4 6 4
For tan 2𝜃,
1 2 3 2
= + 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃
2 2 2 2
tan 2𝜃 = tan 𝜃 + 𝜃 =
1 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃(𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃)
2+ 6
=
4 2 tan 𝜃
tan 2𝜃 =
1 − 𝑡𝑎𝑛$ 𝜃
l E
Example 2: Let tan 𝐴 = , A in the first quadrant and sin 𝐵 = , B in the
g $
second quadrant. Determine cos 𝐴 + 𝐵 .
 Page 5 of 7

For half-angle identities, we can use cos 2θ = 2𝑐𝑜𝑠 $ θ − 1. 𝜃 𝜃 𝜃 𝜃 𝜃 𝜃

𝜃 sin 2 2cos 2 2 sin 2 cos 2 2 sin cos
2 2 sin 𝜃
From this equation, solve for cos 𝜃. tan = ∙ = = =
2 cos 𝜃 2cos 𝜃 2𝑐𝑜𝑠 $
𝜃 𝜃
2𝑐𝑜𝑠 $ − 1 + 1 cos 𝜃 + 1
2𝑐𝑜𝑠 $ θ = cos 2θ + 1 2 2 2 2
(Divide both sides by 2)
So we have,
cos 2θ + 1
𝑐𝑜𝑠 $ θ = 𝜃 sin 𝜃
2 tan =
2 cos 𝜃 + 1
(Extract square roots of both sides)
cos 2θ + 1
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 = ± n n
2 Multiplying the ratio tan =
B FGH
A
by
[ $FGH
A
instead will give us
$ n n
LMF [$FGH
A A

B
Dividing the angles by 2, we have, another formula for tan . And we will have the identity
$

𝜃 cos θ + 1 𝜃 1 − cos 𝜃
𝑐𝑜𝑠 = ± tan =
2 2 2 sin 𝜃

o l0
The sign depends on which quadrant
B
lies. Example 1: Given cot 𝜃 = and 𝜃 ∈ 𝜋, . Determine sin 2𝜃.
$g $
$
l
B
Similarly, we can derive formula for sin using cos 2θ = 1 − 2𝑠𝑖𝑛$ θ. (You Example 2: If 𝑡𝑎𝑛2𝑥 = − and 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝑥 < 0, find
g
$

can try this J) We are going to have a. 𝑡𝑎𝑛4𝑥 b. 𝑠𝑖𝑛4𝑥 c. 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥

E l0
Example 3: Given tan 𝜃 = 𝜃 ∈ 𝜋, .
l $
𝜃 1 − cos θ
𝑠𝑖𝑛 = ± B
2 2 Find a. sin b. cot 2𝜃 c. sec 𝜃
$

Example 4: Establish the following identities

$ LMF b
We will use the formulas for cos
B
and sin
B
to obtain formulas for a. = tan 2𝐴
$ $ LFL b[$@CDb
b F_L b[E
B B
n
FGH
n
$LMF b. 𝑠𝑖𝑛$ =
$ $F_L b
tan .We will first multiply the ratio tan = A
n by A
n .
$ $ LMF $LMF b N`H b[@qD b
A A
c. tan sin 𝐴 =
$ FGH b@O> b
 Page 6 of 7

5.4 SUM OR PRODUCT OF TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS Similarly, using the identities

cos 𝐴 + 𝐵 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵
Given a sum of circular functions, we can express it as a product of
circular functions. Conversely, given product of circular functions, we can cos 𝐴 − 𝐵 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵
express it as a sum of circular functions.
we can derive formulas for 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵 and 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵.
Products to Sums
Recall the identities
Adding the two identities, dividing both sides of the result by 2 and by
sin (𝐴 + 𝐵) = sin 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 + cos 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐵
symmetry of equations,
sin (𝐴 − 𝐵) = sin 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 − cos 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐵
cos 𝐴 + 𝐵 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵
Adding the two identities will give us +
sin (𝐴 + 𝐵) = sin 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 + cos 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐵 cos 𝐴 − 𝐵 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵
+ sin (𝐴 − 𝐵) = sin 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 − cos 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐵 cos 𝐴 + 𝐵 + cos 𝐴 − 𝐵 = 2 cos 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵

sin 𝐴 + 𝐵 + sin(𝐴 − 𝐵) = 2 sin 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 E

Thus, cos 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐵 = cos 𝐴 + 𝐵 + cos 𝐴 − 𝐵
$

Dividing both sides by 2 and by symmetry of equations,

Subtracting the two identities, dividing both sides of the result by 2 and
1
sin 𝐴 cos 𝐵 = sin 𝐴 + 𝐵 + sin(𝐴 − 𝐵) by symmetry of equations,
2
cos 𝐴 + 𝐵 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵
On the other hand, subtracting the two previously stated identities for −
sine, we will have cos 𝐴 − 𝐵 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵
sin (𝐴 + 𝐵) = sin 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 + cos 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐵
cos 𝐴 + 𝐵 − cos 𝐴 − 𝐵 = −2 sin 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵
−
sin (𝐴 − 𝐵) = sin 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑠𝐵 − cos 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐵 Thus, sin 𝐴 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐵 = −
E
cos 𝐴 + 𝐵 − cos 𝐴 − 𝐵
$
sin 𝐴 + 𝐵 − sin(𝐴 − 𝐵) = 2 cos 𝐴𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐵
E
or sin 𝐴 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐵 = cos 𝐴 − 𝐵 − cos 𝐴 + 𝐵
$

Dividing both sides by 2 and by symmetry of equations,

1 Example 1: Evaluate 𝑠𝑖𝑛
El0
𝑐𝑜𝑠
f0
cos 𝐴 sin 𝐵 = sin 𝐴 + 𝐵 − sin(𝐴 − 𝐵) $g $g
2
0 0
Example 2: Express sin cos as a sum
o g
 Page 7 of 7

Sums to Products 5.5 TRIGONOMETRIC EQUATIONS

From the four previously stated identities, let 𝑥 = 𝐴 + 𝐵 and A trigonometric equation is an equation involving trigonometric functions
𝑦 = 𝐴 − 𝐵. of angles or circular functions of real numbers. A solution of a
Observe that 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 2𝐴 and 𝑥 − 𝑦 = 2𝐵. Replacing the 𝐴s 𝑠 and 𝐵′𝑠 in the trigonometric equation consists of determining all the angles or real
four formulas will give us
numbers that satisfy the equation. If 𝜃 in degrees is a solution of a
𝑥+𝑦 𝑥−𝑦
sin 𝑥 + sin 𝑦 = 2 sin cos trigonometric equation, then 𝜃 + 360°𝑘, 𝑘 ∈ ℤ is also a solution. For
2 2
convenience, we may restrict the solution to values of the angle that are
𝑥+𝑦 𝑥−𝑦 non-negative and less than 360°. For real number 𝑥, the solutions may be
sin 𝑥 − sin 𝑦 = 2 cos sin
2 2 restricted to values 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 2𝜋.
𝑥+𝑦 𝑥−𝑦
cos 𝑥 + cos 𝑦 = 2 cos cos
2 2 Methods of solving trigonometric equations involve algebraic operations
𝑥+𝑦 𝑥−𝑦 and identities. We must be careful not to lose a root when we divide by a
cos 𝑥 − cos 𝑦 = −2 sin sin variable factor or take the square root of both sides of an equation. On the
2 2
other hand, we might introduce extraneous roots if we square both sides of
an equation or multiply by a variable factor. When such operations are
Example 1: Express sin 285° − sin 15° as a product and evaluate the result. performed, all supposed roots must be checked if they satisfy the original
Example 2: Express cos
EE0
− cos
El0
as a product. equation.
E$ E$

Example 3: Establish the following identities Solve for the solution set for each where 0 ≤ 𝑥 < 2𝜋 or 0° ≤ 𝐴 < 360°
FGH f]KFGH l] N`H g] E
a. = 1. 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 =
FGH f][FGH l] N`H ] $
$
FGH l][FGH f] 2. 4𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 − 1 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 − 2 = 0
b. = cot 4𝑥 3. 𝑠𝑒𝑥 3𝐴 = 2
LMF f][LMF l]

Example 4: Find the exact value 4. 𝑡𝑎𝑛$ 𝑥 + 3 tan 𝑥 = 0

N`H $w°KN`H $f° 0 0 5. 2𝑠𝑖𝑛$ 𝑥 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 − 1 = 0
a. c. 6 sin cos E
E[N`H $w° N`H $f° E$ E$ 6. 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝐴 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐴 = 0
x x $
FGH [ FGH
b. y
x
z
x
7. cos 2𝑥 − sin 𝑥 = 0
LMF [ LMF
y z 8. 4𝑐𝑜𝑠 g 𝑥 − 3𝑠𝑖𝑛$ 𝑥 + 2 = 0
9. 𝑐𝑜𝑠 $ 2𝐴 + 3𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝐴 = 0
10. 𝑡𝑎𝑛$ 𝑥 − 3𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 + tan 𝑥 − 3 = 0