IDENTITY and CONDITIONAL EQUATIONS

We recall that an equation is a statement of the equality of two quantities or expressions. The two
quantities or expressions are called the members or sides of the equation. The variable or letter whose
value is to be found is the unknown. The value of the unknown which satisfies the equation called the
solution or the root of the equation. The set of all solutions of the equation is known as the solution set.

Equations in mathematics can be classified as conditional equations or identity equations.

Identity Equation – is an equation in one variable that holds true for all permissible values of the unknown
quantities.

𝑥 2 − 25 = (𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 − 5)

𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6 = (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 2)

The equations above are examples of identity equation. The special product formulas are all identity
equation. The solution set of an identity equation is the set of real numbers.

Let us consider the following linear equation.

1. 𝑥 + 7 = 7 + 𝑥
2. 5𝑥 + 2 = 8𝑥 − 3𝑥 + 2
5𝑥
3. 5𝑥 = 1

Note: For any real number substituted to the variable x to both members of the equation, the equation is
still true.

For example, in 𝑥 + 7 = 7 + 𝑥, any real number that is assigned to x will still make the equation true.

Conditional Equation – is an equation that is satisfied by at least one real number.

The following examples will illustrate the definition of a conditional equation:

1. 𝑥 − 1 = 5. This linear equation holds true only for one value, 𝑥 = 6.

2. 𝑥 2 + 6 = 7𝑥 or 𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 6 = 0. Factoring this quadratic equation gives (𝑥 − 6)(𝑥 − 1) = 0. This
quadratic equation holds true only for 2 values, 𝑥 = 6 and 𝑥 = 1.
3. 𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 3). This cubic equation holds true only for 3 values, 𝑥 = 0, 𝑥 = 1,
and 𝑥 = 3.

Decide whether this equation is an identity, or a conditional equation.

Example 1: −2(𝑥 + 4) + 3𝑥 = 𝑥 − 8

Solution:

−2(𝑥 + 4) + 3𝑥 = 𝑥 − 8 Given

−2𝑥 − 8 + 3𝑥 = 𝑥 − 8 Distributive Property

𝑥−8 =𝑥−8 Combine Terms

0=0 Subtract x and add 8.

∴ When a true statement such as 0 = 0 results, the equation is an identity, and the solution set is {all real
numbers}.

Example 2: 5𝑥 − 4 = 11

Solution:

5𝑥 − 4 = 11 Given

5𝑥 = 15 Add 4 both sides.

𝑥=3 Divide by 5 both sides.

∴ This is a conditional equation, and its solution set is {3}.

FUNDAMENTAL TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITIES

The Fundamental Trigonometric Identities are formed from our knowledge of the Unit Circle, Reference
Triangles, and Angles. In mathematics, an “identity” is an equation which is always true, as nicely stated in
this section. For example, 1 = 1, is an equation that is always true; therefore, we say it is an identity.

In your previous mathematics classes, you learned some basic algebraic properties, such as the Distributive
Property and the Associative Property, that enabled you to simplify algebraic expressions and solves
equations.

In Trigonometry we have some basic properties that we refer to as Identities that enable us to evaluate
other trigonometric functions, simplify and rewrite expressions, and eventually solve trigonometric
equations.

We will then discover how to use these Fundamental Identities to simplify or rewrite trigonometric
expressions to get an equivalent expression or identity.

If θ is an angle in standard position, and P(x, y) is any point not in the origin on the terminal side of θ and
the radius r = √𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 , then we can derive reciprocal identities.

Consider the figure below.

 ̅ OP
Since MOP and (M ̅) are similar triangles, then

y y̅ x x̅ y y̅ r r̅ r r̅ x x̅
= , = , = , = , = and =
r r̅ r r̅ x x̅ y y̅ x x̅ y y̅

and the value of each ratio is a function of angle θ.

Then, we say that the sin of θ is the ratio of y to r; the cosine of θ is the ratio of x to r; the tangent θ is the
ratio of y to s; the cotangent of θ is the ratio of x to y; the secant of θ is the ratio of r to x; and the cosecant
of θ is the ratio of r to y.

Ratio of the 6 Trigonometric Function of Any Angle 𝛉.

y x
sin θ = cot θ = (y ≠ 0)
r y
x r
cos θ = sec θ = (x ≠ 0)
r x
y r
tan θ = (x ≠ 0) csc θ = (y ≠ 0)
x y

Reciprocal Identities

Since cosecant θ, secant θ, and cotangent θ are the reciprocal of sine θ, cosine θ, and tangent θ, respectively,
we now have the reciprocal identities.

1 1
sin θ = cot θ =
csc θ tan θ
1 1
cos θ = sec θ =
sec θ cos θ
1 1
tan θ = csc θ =
cot θ sin θ
Quotient Identities
y x
To derive the quotient identities, let us consider sin θ = r and cos θ = r when x ≠ 0. Thus,

y
sin θ 𝑦
= 𝑥r = = tan θ
cos θ 𝑥
𝑟
 𝑥
sin θ cos θ 𝑟 𝑥 cos θ
Therefore, tan θ = cos θ if cos θ ≠ 0 and when 𝑦 ≠ 0, sin θ = 𝑦 = 𝑦 = cot θ. Therefore, cot θ = if sin θ ≠
sin θ
𝑟
0.

sin θ cos θ
tan θ = cot θ =
cos θ sin θ
Pythagorean Trigonometric Identities

Now, consider θ as an acute angle in standard position, 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) is any point not in the origin on the terminal
side of θ and 𝑟 = |𝑂𝑃| as shown in the figure.

If we divide both sides of the formula x 2 + y 2 = r 2 for Pythagorean Theorem by r 2 , we shall have

x2 y2
+ =1
r2 r2
𝑦 𝑥
Since sin θ = 𝑟 and cos θ = 𝑟 , then

(sin θ)2 + (cos θ)2 = 1 or sin2 𝜃 + cos 2 𝜃 = 1

Now, to derive the other Pythagorean Trigonometric Identities, we shall divide both sides of sin2 𝜃 +
cos 2 𝜃 = 1

1. By sin2 𝜃, as follows:

sin2 𝜃 cos 2 𝜃 1
+ =
sin 𝜃 sin 𝜃 sin2 𝜃
2 2

Thus, we have 1 + cot 2 𝜃 = csc 2 𝜃

2. By cos 2 𝜃, as follows:

sin2 𝜃 cos 2 𝜃 1
+ =
cos2 𝜃 cos 2 𝜃 cos 2 𝜃

Thus, we have tan2 𝜃 + 1 = sec 2 𝜃

Example 3: Express the following trigonometric expressions as a single function.

a. tan 𝑥 csc 𝑥
b. sin2 𝜃 + sin2 𝜃 tan2 𝜃
c. sin 𝑥 csc 𝑥 tan 𝑥 cot 𝑥

Solution:

sin 𝑥 1
tan 𝑥 csc 𝑥 = ∙
cos 𝑥 sin 𝑥

(sin 𝑥) (sin 𝑥)
=
(cos 𝑥)(1)

1
=
cos 𝑥

= 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝒙

sin2 𝜃 + sin2 𝜃 tan2 𝜃 = sin2 𝜃 (1 + tan2 𝜃)

= sin2 𝜃 (sec 2 𝜃)

1
= sin2 𝜃 ∙
cos2 𝜃

sin2 𝜃
=
cos 2 𝜃

= 𝐭𝐚𝐧𝟐 𝜽

1 sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥
sin 𝑥 csc 𝑥 tan 𝑥 cot 𝑥 = sin 𝑥 ∙ ∙ ∙
sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥 sin 𝑥

=𝟏

cos 𝑢 1−cos2 𝑢
Example 4: Simplify cot 𝑢 + sin 𝑢

Solution:

cos 𝑢 1 − cos2 𝑢 cos 𝑢 sin2 𝑢

+ = cos 𝑢 +
cot 𝑢 sin 𝑢 sin 𝑢
sin 𝑢

sin 𝑢 sin2 𝑢
= cos 𝑢 ∙ +
cos 𝑢 sin 𝑢

= sin 𝑢 + sin 𝑢
= 𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒖
Remember: When simplifying trigonometric expressions, it is necessary to rewrite the trigonometric
expression in terms of one trigonometric function. Along the process, you will need to express the
trigonometric expressions in terms of sine and cosine functions only. There are trigonometric expressions
that the need to be written in factored form. Thus, it is necessary that you have a firm grasp of the various
factoring techniques and able to recognize which factoring technique fits the given expression.

PROVING IDENTITIES

We can use the eleven fundamental trigonometric identities to establish other identities. For example,
suppose we want to establish the identity

sin 𝜃
csc 𝜃 − cot 𝜃 =
1 + cos 𝜃

To verify that it is an identity, recall that we need to establish the truth of the equation for all values of the
variable in the domain of the equation. It is not enough to verify its truth for some selected values of the
variable. To prove it, we use the fundamental trigonometric identities and valid algebraic manipulations
like performing the fundamental operations, factoring, canceling, and multiplying the numerator and
denominator by the same quantity.

Start on the expression on one side of the proposed identity (preferably the complicated side), use and
apply some of the fundamental trigonometric identities and algebraic manipulations, and arrive at the
expression on the other side of the proposed identity.

EXPRESSION EXPLANATION
csc 𝜃 − cot 𝜃 Start on one side
Apply some reciprocal and
1 cos 𝜃
= −
sin 𝜃 sin 𝜃 quotient identities.
1 − cos 𝜃
= Add the quotients.
sin 𝜃
1 − cos 𝜃 1 + cos 𝜃
= ∙ Multiply the numerator and denominator by 1 + cos 𝜃
sin 𝜃 1 + cos 𝜃
1 − cos 2 𝜃
= Multiply.
(sin 𝜃)(1 + cos 𝜃)
sin2 𝜃
= Apply a Pythagorean identity.
(sin 𝜃)(1 + cos 𝜃)
sin 𝜃
= Reduce to lowest terms.
1 + cos 𝜃
Upon arriving at the expression of the other side, the identity has been established. There is no unique
technique to prove all identities, but familiarity with the different techniques may help.

Example 5: Prove: sec 𝑥 − cos 𝑥 = sin 𝑥 tan 𝑥

Solution:

sec 𝑥 − cos 𝑥 = sin 𝑥 tan 𝑥

1
− cos 𝑥 = sin 𝑥 tan 𝑥
cos 𝑥
 1 − cos2 𝜃
= sin 𝑥 tan 𝑥
cos 𝑥

sin2 𝜃
= sin 𝑥 tan 𝑥
cos 𝑥

sin 𝜃
sin 𝑥 ∙ = sin 𝑥 tan 𝑥
cos 𝑥

𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙 = 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝒙

1+sin 𝜃 1−sin 𝜃
Example 6: Prove: 1−sin 𝜃 − 1+sin 𝜃 = 4 sin 𝜃 sec 2 𝜃

Solution:

1 + sin 𝜃 1 − sin 𝜃
− = 4 sin 𝜃 sec 2 𝜃
1 − sin 𝜃 1 + sin 𝜃

(1 + sin 𝜃)2 − (1 − sin 𝜃)2

= 4 sin 𝜃 sec 2 𝜃
(1 − sin 𝜃)(1 + sin 𝜃)

1 + 2 sin 𝜃 + sin2 𝜃 − 1 + 2 sin 𝜃 − sin2 𝜃

= 4 sin 𝜃 sec 2 𝜃
1 − sin2 𝜃

4 sin 𝜃
= 4 sin 𝜃 sec 2 𝜃
cos 2 𝜃

𝟒 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝟐 𝜽 = 𝟒 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽 𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝟐 𝜽

OTHER TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITIES

The following formulas are used to determine the exact values of the sine and cosine of the sum and
difference of two given angles, 𝛼 and 𝛽

Sum and Difference Identities for Sine, Cosine, and Tangent

sin(𝛼 + 𝛽) = sin 𝛼 cos 𝛽 + cos 𝛼 sin 𝛽

sin(𝛼 − 𝛽) = sin 𝛼 cos 𝛽 − cos 𝛼 sin 𝛽

cos(𝛼 + 𝛽) = cos 𝛼 cos 𝛽 − sin 𝛼 sin 𝛽

cos(𝛼 − 𝛽) = cos 𝛼 cos 𝛽 + sin 𝛼 sin 𝛽

tan 𝛼 + tan 𝛽
tan(𝛼 + 𝛽) =
1 − tan 𝛼 tan 𝛽

tan 𝛼 − tan 𝛽
tan(𝛼 − 𝛽) =
1 + tan 𝛼 tan 𝛽
The formulas or identities presented can be utilized to find the exact values of trigonometric functions
involving the sum and difference of special angles.

Example 7: Find the exact value of sin 15°

Solution: Note that the given angle can be expressed in terms of two special angles; that is, 15° = 45° −
30°. Use the formula for the sine of the sum of the angles to obtain the exact value of sin 15°.

sin 15° = sin(45° − 30°)

= sin 45° cos 30° − cos 45° sin 30°

√2 √3 √2 1
= ( )( ) − ( )( )
2 2 2 2

√6 √2
= −
4 4

√𝟔 − √𝟐
=
𝟒
𝜋
Example 8: Find the exact value of cos 12.

𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
Solution: Observe that 12 = 3 − 4 . Thus, the cos 12 = cos (3 − 4 ).

𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
cos = cos ( − )
12 3 4
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
= cos cos + sin sin
3 4 3 4

1 √2 √3 √2
= ( )( ) + ( )( )
2 2 2 2

√2 √6
= +
4 4

√𝟐 + √𝟔
=
𝟒
3 12
Example 9: Find the exact value of tan(𝛼 + 𝛽) if sin 𝛼 = 5 and cos 𝛽 = − 13, and 𝛼 is in quadrant I while 𝛽
is in quadrant II.

Solution: To find tan 𝛼, use the equation sin2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼 = 1 to solve for the value of cos 𝛼.

sin2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼 = 1

3 2
( ) + cos 2 𝛼 = 1
5
 9
+ cos2 𝛼 = 1
25
9
cos2 𝛼 = 1 −
25
16
cos 2 𝛼 =
25
𝟒
𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜶 =
𝟓

4 sin 𝛼
Because 𝛼 is in quadrant I, then cos 𝛼 = . To find the value of tan 𝛼, use the equation tan 𝛼 = .
5 cos 𝛼

𝟑
𝟑 𝟓 𝟑
𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜶 = 𝟓 = ∙ =
𝟒 𝟓 𝟒 𝟒
𝟓

Do the same procedure as presented above to find the value of tan 𝛽.

sin2 𝛽 + cos2 𝛽 = 1

12 2
sin2 𝛽 + (− ) =1
13

144
sin2 𝛽 + =1
169
144
sin2 𝛽 = 1 −
169

25
sin2 𝛽 =
169

𝟓
𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜷 = ±
𝟏𝟑
5 12
Because 𝛽 is in quadrant II, then 𝛽 = 13. Therefore, tan 𝛽 = − 5 . The exact value of tan(𝛼 + 𝛽) is:

tan 𝛼 + tan 𝛽
tan(𝛼 + 𝛽) =
1 − tan 𝛼 tan 𝛽

3 12
+ (− )
= 4 5
3 12
1 − (4) (− )
5
 3 12
−
=4 5
36
1+
20
33
− 20
=
56
20

33 20
=− ∙
20 56
𝟑𝟑
=−
𝟓𝟔

The sum and difference identities can also be used to derive the reduced forms of the left sides of the
identities for some angles 𝐴 and 𝐵. These are known as the reduction formulas. The reduction formulas are
helpful in finding the exact values of the trigonometric functions involving two angles without going
through a long process of calculation.

The sum and difference of angles formulas can be used to simplify trigonometric expressions and to prove
trigonometric identities.

𝜋
Example 10: Use the difference of angles formula for cosine to simplify the expression cos ( 2 − 𝜃).

Solution:

𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
cos ( − 𝜃) = cos cos 𝜃 + sin sin 𝜃
2 2 2

= 0 ∙ cos 𝜃 + 1 ∙ sin 𝜃

= sin 𝜃

𝜋
Therefore, cos (2 − 𝜃) = sin 𝜃.

Example 11: Verify the identity sin(−𝜃) = − sin 𝜃.

Solution: Note that −𝜃 = 0 − 𝜃. Let 𝛼 = 0 and 𝛽 = 𝜃. Use the difference formula of sine to verify the
identity by manipulating the left side.

sin(−𝜃) = − sin 𝜃

sin 0 cos 𝜃 − cos 0 sin 𝜃 = − sin 𝜃

0 ∙ cos 𝜃 − 1 ∙ sin 𝜃 = − sin 𝜃

− sin 𝜃 = − sin 𝜃

Double-Angle Formulas
Through the sum and difference identities, the following double-angle formulas can be derived.

sin 2𝛼 = 2 sin 𝛼 cos 𝛼

cos 2𝛼 = cos 2 𝛼 − sin2 𝛼

cos 2𝛼 = 2 cos 2 𝛼 − 1

cos 2𝛼 = 1 − 2 sin2 𝛼

2 tan 𝛼
tan 2𝛼 =
1 − tan2 𝛼
4 𝜋
Example 12: If 𝛼 = 5 and 2 < 𝛼 < 𝜋, find the exact values of the following:

a. sin 2𝛼
b. cos 2𝛼
c. tan 2𝛼

Solution: First, solve for the value of cos 𝛼 and tan 𝛼.

sin2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼 = 1

4 2
( ) + cos 2 𝛼 = 1
5
16 9
cos 2 𝛼 = 1 − =
25 25
3
cos 𝛼 = ±
5
𝜋 3 4
Because 2 < 𝛼 < 𝜋, then cos 𝛼 = − 5. Therefore, tan 𝛼 = − 3.

Then, sin 2𝛼 = 2 sin 𝛼 cos 𝛼

4 3
sin 2𝛼 = 2 ( ) (− )
5 5
𝟐𝟒
𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝜶 = −
𝟐𝟓
cos 2𝛼 = cos2 𝛼 − sin2 𝛼

3 2 4 2 9 16
cos 2𝛼 = (− ) − ( ) = −
5 5 25 25
𝟕
𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝟐𝜶 = −
𝟐𝟓
2 tan 𝛼
tan 2𝛼 =
1 − tan2 𝛼
 4 88
2 (− 3) −3
−3
tan 2𝛼 = = =
4 2 1 − 16 − 7
1 − (− 3) 9 9

8 9 72
tan 2𝛼 = ∙ =
3 7 21
𝟐𝟒
𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝟐𝜶 =
𝟕
The double-angle formulas can also be used in proving other trigonometric identities.
1−tan2 𝛼
Example 13: Prove cos 2𝛼 = sec2 𝛼

Solution:

1 − tan2 𝛼
cos 2𝛼 =
sec 2 𝛼
sin2 𝛼
1−
cos 2𝛼 = cos 2 𝛼
1
cos2 𝛼
cos2 𝛼 − sin2 𝛼 cos2 𝛼
cos 2𝛼 = ∙
cos2 𝛼 1
cos 2𝛼 = cos2 𝛼 − sin2 𝛼

𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝟐𝜶 = 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝟐𝜶

Half-Angle Formulas

The half-angle formulas are:

𝜶 𝟏 − 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜶
𝐬𝐢𝐧 = ±√
𝟐 𝟐

𝜶 𝟏 + 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜶
𝐜𝐨𝐬 = ±√
𝟐 𝟐

𝜶 𝟏 − 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜶
𝐭𝐚𝐧 = ±√ ; 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜶 ≠ −𝟏
𝟐 𝟏 + 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜶

𝛼 1 − cos 𝛼
tan = ; sin 𝛼 ≠ 0
2 sin 𝛼
𝛼 sin 𝛼
tan = ; cos 𝛼 ≠ −1
2 1 + cos 𝛼
 5𝜋
Example 14: Find the exact value of sin .
8

𝛼 5𝜋 5𝜋
Solution: Let 2 = . Then, is in quadrant II where the sine is positive.
8 8

5𝜋 5𝜋
Also, 𝛼 = 2 ( 8 ) = .
4

5𝜋
5𝜋 1 − cos 𝛼 √1 − cos 4
sin =√ =
8 2 2

√2 √2
1−( 2 )
5𝜋 √ √1 + 2
sin = =
8 2 2

2 + √2
5𝜋 √ 2 2 + √2
sin = =√
8 2 4

𝟓𝝅 √𝟐 + √𝟐
𝐬𝐢𝐧 =
𝟖 𝟐

Example 15: Find the exact value of each trigonometric function.

𝜃 3
a. cos 2 if cos 𝜃 = 5 and 𝜃 is in quadrant I.
𝜃
b. tan 2 if tan 𝜃 = 2 and 𝜃 is in quadrant III.

Solution:

3
𝜃 √1 + 5
a. cos = ±
2 2

8
𝜃 √5
cos = ±
2 2

𝜃 8 1 8 4
cos = ±√ ∙ = √ = √
2 5 2 10 5

𝜃 4
cos = ±√
2 5

𝜽 𝟐√𝟓
𝐜𝐨𝐬 =
𝟐 𝟓
 𝜃 𝜃
b. Note that if 180° < 𝜃 < 270°, then 90° < < 135° which is in quadrant II. Therefore, tan 2 must be
2
negative.

First, solve for the values of sin 𝜃 and cos 𝜃. The value of cos 𝜃 can be solved using the formula 1 + tan2 𝜃 =
sec 2 𝜃.

1 + (2)2 = sec 2 𝜃

1 + 4 = sec 2 𝜃

5 = sec 2 𝜃

𝐬𝐞𝐜 𝜽 = ±√𝟓