Trigonometric Identities

TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITIES

Learning Objectives: At the end of this unit, you should be able to

5
1. derive the identities for cosine, sine, and tangent of a sum or difference of two real
numbers or angles;
2. derive double and half number identities;
3. derive sum and product identities;
4. solve problems involving identities;
5. solve problems in reduction identities; and
6. prove identities.

5.1 Identities Involving Cosine, Sine and Tangent of a Sum or Difference of Two Real
Numbers

In this lesson, we shall establish the identities involving the since or cosine of the sum
or difference of two angles. The first identity that we shall establish involves cos( - )
which is the basis for the rest of the identities discussed in this unit. In the discussion that
follows, arc length will refer to the length of an arc of the unit circle.

Given two points P1 ( x1 , y1 ) and P2 ( x 2 , y 2 ) in the rectangular coordinate system, the

distance P1 P2 between these points is given by the identity

P1 P2 = ( x1 - x 2 ) 2 + ( y1 - y 2 ) 2 or P1 P2 = ( x 2 - x1 ) 2 + ( y 2 - y1 ) 2

Consider the unit circle and the arcs of the unit circle of lengths  and  starting from
point A(1,0) as shown in Fig. 5.1a. The terminal point determined by the arc length  will be
P1 (α) = ( x1 , y1 ) = (cos α, sin α) and the terminal point determined by  will be
P2 (β) = ( x 2 , y 2 ) = (cosβ, sin β) .

y y
β β-α
β-α
P1(α)=(cos α, sin α) P1(α)=(cos α, sin α)
P2(β)=(cosβ, sinβ) P2(β)=(cosβ, sinβ)
α

A(1, 0)
A(1, 0)
x x

Fig. 5.1a Fig. 5.1b

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 85

The distance between the terminal points can be obtained using the distance formula
where the coordinates of the points are expressed in terms of the real numbers  and .
Hence, we have

P1 P2 = (cos  - cos ) 2 + (sin  - sin ) 2

= (cos2  - 2 cos . cos  + cos2 ) + (sin 2  - 2 sin . sin  + sin 2 )

= (cos2  + sin 2 ) + (cos2  + sin 2 ) - 2 cos . cos  - 2 sin . sin 

= 2 - 2 cos . cos  - 2 sin . sin  (since cos 2 α + sin 2 α = 1 and

cos 2 β + sin 2 β = 1 ).

If we subtract the arc length  from the arc length , we get the arc length ( - ) (see
Fig. 5.1.b). Next, we lay off an arc starting from the point A(1, 0) whose length is ( - ) as
shown in Fig. 5.2. The endpoint of this arc will therefore have coordinates [cos( - ), sin(
- )].

y P(β-α)=[cos(β-α), sin(β-α)]

β-α

A(1, 0)
x

Fig. 5.2

The length of the chord PA determined by the arc length ( - ) will be

PA = [cos( - ) - 1] 2 + [sin(  - ) - 0] 2

= cos2 ( - ) - 2 cos( - ) + 1 + sin 2 ( - )

= cos2 ( - ) + sin 2 ( - ) + 1 - 2 cos( - )

= 2 - 2 cos( - ) (since cos2 ( - ) + sin 2 ( - ) = 1).

Since equal arcs determine equal chords, we have PA = P1 P2 . It follows that

2 - 2 cos( - ) = 2 - 2 cos α cos β - 2 sin α sin β .

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 86

Squaring both sides of this equation yields the equation

2 - 2 cos( - ) = 2 - 2 cos . cos - 2 sin . sin  or

- 2 cos( - ) = - 2 cos α cosβ − 2 sin α sin β or
cos( - ) = cos α cosβ + sin α sin β (after multiplying both sides by – ½).

Hence, the identity for cos( - ) is given by

cos(α - β) = cos α cosβ + sin α sin β

.

To establish the identity for cos( + ) , we note that

cos( + ) = cos[ - (-)]

= cos . cos(-) + sin . sin(-)
= cos . cos + sin .(- sin ) [since cos(-) = cos and sin(-) = - sin  ].

Therefore, the identity for cos( + ) is given by

cos(α + β) = cos α cos

. β − sin α sin β

To derive the identity for sin( - ) , we first note that

cos( π2 - α) = cos π2 cos α + sin π2 sin α = 0  cos α + 1 sin α = sin α .

Hence, cos[2 - ( - )] = sin( - ) or sin( - ) = cos[2 - ( - )] . Expanding the right hand
side we have,
sin( - ) = cos[2 - ( - )]
= cos[( 2 - ) + )]
= cos(2 -  )  cos  ) - sin( 2 -  )  sin  )
       
sin  cos

= sin α cosβ - cos α sin β .

Therefore, we have the following identity for sin( - ) :

sin(α - β) = sin α cos

. β - cos α sin β

Finally, we establish the identity for sin( + ) as follows:

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 87

sin( + ) = sin[ - (-)]

= sin α cos(-β) - cos α sin(-β)
= sin α cos(β) + cos α sin(β) [since cos(-) = cos and sin(-) = - sin  .]

Therefore, we have the following identity for sin( + ) :

.
sin(α + β) = sin α cosβ + cos α sin β
sin( + ) = sin . cos + cos . sin 

The identities for tangent of a sum and difference are easy to establish and are left as
an exercise to the students.

Summarizing the results, we have the following identities involving cosine, sine, and
tangent of a sum and difference of two angles or two numbers. These identities enable us to
 
find trigonometric values of other numbers different from the special numbers , and
6 4

or angles different from 30, 45, and 60.
3

1. cos(α - β) = cos α cosβ + sin α sin β

2. cos(α + β) = cos α cosβ − sin α sin β
3. sin(α - β) = sin α cosβ - cos α sin β
4. sin(α + β) = sin α cosβ + cos α sin β
tan α + tan β
5. tan( α + β) =
1 - tan α tan β
tan α - tan β
6. tan( α - β) =
1 + tan α tan β

We now illustrate how to find the trigonometric values of angles or real numbers using
the above identities.

Example 1. Find the exact value of (a) cos(12 ) and (b) sin( 512π )

Solution: a) The technique here is to rewrite the argument (or angle) as a sum or difference

of two special numbers or angles. For the real number , we note that
12
 4 - 3 4 3  
= = - = - .
12 12 12 12 3 4
 π π π π
Hence, cos = cos( π3 - π4 ) = cos  cos + sin  sin or
12 3 4 3 4

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 88

π 1 2 3 2
cos  =  + 
 12  2 2 2 2
2+ 6
= .
4
5
b) For the real number , we note that
12
5 2 + 3 2 3  
= = + = + , Hence,
12 12 12 12 6 4
5π π π π π
sin = sin( π6 + π4 ) = sin  cos + cos  sin
12 6 4 6 4
1 2 3 2
=  + 
2 2 2 2
2+ 6
=
4
5 6- 2
Therefore, cos = .
12 4

Example 2. Find the exact value of (a) sin(15°) and (b) sin(75°)
Solution: a) Again we will rewrite the angle either as a sum or difference of two special
angles. Note that 15 = 45 - 30. Hence,

sin(15°) = sin(45 - 30) = sin(45)  cos(30) - cos(45)  sin(30)

2 3 2 1
= . - .
2 2 2 2
6- 2
=
4
6- 2
Therefore, sin(15°) = .
4
b) For the angle 75, we note that 75 = 45 + 30. Hence

sin(75°) = sin(45° + 30°) = sin(45°) cos(30°) + cos(45°).sin(30°)

2 3 2 1
=  + 
2 2 2 2
6+ 2
=
4
6+ 2
Therefore, sin(75°) = .
4

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 89


Example 3. Find the exact value of a) tan(105°) and b) tan .
12
Solution: 105 = 45 + 60. Hence,
tan( 45) + tan( 60)
tan(105°) = tan( 45 + 60) =
1 - tan( 45)  tan( 60)

1+ 3
=
1- 3
1+ 3 1+ 3
= 
1- 3 1+ 3
1+ 2 3 + 3
= (after squaring 1+ 3 )
1- 3
4+2 3
=
-2
= -2- 3

Hence, tan(105°) = - 2 - 3 .

  
b) Recall that = - . Hence,
12 3 4
 
 tan - tan
3 4
tan = tan( 3 - 4 ) =
12  
1 + tan . tan
3 4
1 1- 3
3
-1 3
= 1 = 3 +1
1+ 3 3

1- 3 1- 3 1- 3
= = 
1+ 3 1+ 3 1- 3
1- 2 3 + 3
= (after squaring 1 - 3 )
1- 3
4-2 3
=
-2
= 3-2


Hence, tan = 3-2.
12

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 90

Example 4. Simplify the following expressions using the appropriate identity.

a. cos8x cos x + sin 8x sin x
b. sin 5x cos 2 x + cos5x sin 2 x
c. sin 4 x sin 6 x - cos 4 x cos 6 x
d. sin 3x cos 4 x - cos3x sin 4 x
tan 8 x + tan 2 x
e.
1 - tan 8 x tan 2 x
tan 4 x - tan 5 x
f.
1 + tan 4 x tan 5 x

Solutions: a. cos8x cos x + sin 8x sin x = cos(8x - x) = cos 7 x .

b. sin 5x cos 2x + cos5x sin 2x = sin(5x + 2x) = sin 7 x .
c. The expression sin 4 x sin 6 x - cos 4 x cos 6 x does not seem to be one of the
identities. However, we can rewrite it as follows:
sin 4 x sin 6 x - cos 4 x cos 6 x = - (cos 4 x cos 6 x - sin 4 x sin 6 x)
= - cos(4x + 6x)
= - cos(10x) .
d. sin 3x cos 4 x - cos3x sin 4 x = sin(3x - 4 x) = sin(- x) = - sin x .
tan 8 x + tan 2 x
e. = tan(8x + 2 x) = tan(10x) .
1 - tan 8 x tan 2 x

tan 4 x - tan 5 x
f. = tan( 4 x - 5x) = tan( - x) = - tan( x) .
1 + tan 4 x tan 5 x

Example 5. Find the exact value of the following expressions.

a. sin 32 cos58 + cos32 sin 58
b. cos116 cos 64 - sin116 sin 64
c. sin 85 sin 25 + cos85 cos 25
d. sin 70 cos 205 - cos 70 sin 205
tan 20 + tan 25
e.
1 - tan 20 tan 25
tan 200 - tan 80
f.
1 + tan 200 tan 80

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 91

Solutions: a. sin 32 cos58 + cos32 sin 58 = sin(32° + 58°) = sin(90°) = 1.

b. cos116 cos 64 - sin116 sin 64 = cos(116 + 64) = cos(180) = -1

c. sin 85 sin 25 + cos85 cos 25 = cos85°. cos 25° + sin 85°. sin 25°
1
= cos(85° - 25°) = cos(60°) =
2
d. sin 70 cos 205 - cos 70 sin 205 = sin(70° - 205°)
= sin(-135°) = - sin(135°)

2
=- .
2
tan 20 + tan 25
e. = tan( 20 + 25) = tan 45 = 1 .
1 - tan 20 tan 25
tan 200 - tan 80
f. = tan( 200 - 80) = tan(120) = - 3 .
1 + tan 200 tan 80

Example 6. a) Prove that sin( 2 - x) = cos x

b) Prove that tan( 32 + x) = cot x

Proof: a) sin( π2 - x) = sin( π2 )  cos x - cos π2  sin x

 
1 0

= cos x
 -1  0 
sin( + x) sin( 2 ) cos x + cos(32π ) sin x
3π 3π
b) tan( 32π + x) = 2
=
cos( + x) cos(32π ) cos x - sin( 32π ) sin x
3π
2
 
0 -1
- cos x + 0
= = - cot x
0 + sin x

12 7
Example 7. If sin  = , and  terminates in the first quadrant; sin = ,  terminates in
13 25
the second quadrant, find sin( + ) , cos( + ) and the quadrant where
( + ) would terminate.

Solution: Since sin( + ) and cos( + ) involves the values of sin  , sin  , cos and
cos , the first thing that we have to do is to find the values of cos and cos .
Thus,

5
cos  = ± 1 - sin 2  = ± 1 - ( 12 2 144
13 ) = ± 1 - 169 = ±
169-144
169 =± 25
169 =±
13

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 92

5
and since  terminates in the first quadrant, we take cos = + . Also,
13
24
cos  = ± 1 - sin 2  = ± 1 - ( 257 ) 2 = ± 1 - 625
49
=± 625- 49
625 = ± 576
625 = ± or
25
24
cos β = − since  also terminates in the second quadrant. Therefore, we have
25

12  24  5 7 288 35 253
sin(α + β) = sin α cos β + cos α sin β = -  +  =- + =- .
13  25  13 25 325 325 325

5  24  12 7 120 84 204
cos(α + β) = cos α cos β - sin α sin β = -  - . =- − =- .
13  25  13 25 325 325 325

Since sin( + ) and cos( + ) are both negative, it follows that

( + ) terminates in quadrant III.

4 1
Example 8. If tan  = ,  terminates in QIII and ; tan  = - ,  terminates in QII, find
3 2
tan(  + ) and the quadrant where ( + ) terminates.
5
5
tan  + tan  4
+ (- ) 1
6 1
6
Solution: a) tan(  + ) =
3 2
= 1 = = = .
1 - tan . tan  1 - ( 3 )(- 2 )
4
2 5 2
1+
3 3
To find the quadrant where ( + ) , we use the information about the quadrant
3
where  and  lie. Now,  terminates in QIII implies that  <  < . Also, 
2

terminates in QII implies that <  <  . Thus, adding the two inequalities, we
2
have
3π
πα
2 5π
π 2
βπ
2
-----------------------------
π 3π
π+  α+β  +π
2 2
or 3π
2
3π 5π
 α+β  Fig. 5.3
2 2

which means that  +  is either in QIV or QI (see Fig. 5.3). Since

tan(  + ) = 2 (positive), it follows that  +  terminates in QI.

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 93

Exercise 5.1

1. Find the exact value of the following using the identities involving cosine, sine, and
tangent of a sum or difference of two angles:
a. cos 15 f. cos 255
b. tan 15 g. sin 712

c. sin 75 h. tan 1112

d. tan 105 i. cos 512

e. sin 165 k. sec 12

2. Find the exact value of the following expressions.

a. sin 82 cos112 - cos82 sin112
b. cos 76 cos16 + sin 76 sin16
c. - sin105°. sin 45° - cos105°. cos 45°
d. sin 23 cos37 + cos 23 sin 37
tan 18 + tan 42
e.
tan 18 tan 42 - 1
tan 127 - tan 67
f.
1 + tan 127 tan 67

3. Prove the following using the sum and difference identities.

a. sin( 2 + x) = cos x i. cos(32 + x) = sin x
b. cos( + x) = - cos x j. cos(32π + x) = sin x
1 + tan x
c. sin(2 - x) = - sin x k. tan( 4 + x) =
1 - tan x
cot α  cot β - 1
d. sin( - x) = sin x l. cot(α + β) =
cot α + cot β
sec α sec β
e. tan( 2 - x) = cot x m. sec(α + β) =
1 - tan α tan β

csc α csc β
f. cos(2π - x) = cos x n. csc(α + β) =
cot α + tan β
sin(u + v) + sin(u - v)
g. cos(32π + x) = sin x o. = tan u
cos(u + v) + cos(u - v)

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 94

4. Solve the following problems completely.

3 5
a. If cos  = - , and  terminates in QII; sin  = - ,  terminates in QIII, find
5 13
i) sin( - )
ii) cos( - )
iii) the quadrant where ( - ) would terminate.

24 3
b. If sin α = - , and  terminates in QIV; cos β = - ,  terminates in QII, find
25 5
i) cos(α + β)
ii) sin(α - β)
iii) the quadrant where ( + ) and ( - ) would terminate.

3  5 π
c. If sin x = and 0 < x < and cos y = - and  y  π find
5 2 13 2
i) tan( x + y)
ii) tan( x - y)
iii) the quadrant where ( x + y) and ( x - y) would terminate.

1
d. Find sec(α + β) , tan(α + β) , cot(α − β) , csc(α − β) if cos α = - and  terminates in
2
3
QII and sin β = - and  terminates in QIII.
2

tan α + tan β
5. Prove: a) tan( α + β) =
1 - tan α tan β

tan α - tan β
b) tan( α - β) =
1 + tan α tan β

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 95

5.2 Reduction Identities

In this section, we will consider some identitys which will help us find values of
trigonometric functions of angles greater than 90 or greater than 360. Applying the same
identitys may also help us simplify complicated expressions involving trigonometric functions
of angles into more simple expressions.

Let us consider the expression cos(90° - x) . Applying the identity for cosine of a
difference, we have cos(90° - x) = cos90° cos x + sin 90°. sin x = 0 + sin x = sin x .

Similarly, sin(90° - x) = sin 90° cos x - cos90°. sin x = cos x - 0 = cos x . It is easy to
verify that tan(90° - x) = cot x . We therefore have the following equations which are called
reduction identities:
π 
1. cos(90 - x) = sin x or cos - x  = sin x
2 
π 
2. sin(90° - x) = cos x or sin − x  = cos x
2 
π 
3. tan(90° - x) = cot x or tan  − x  = cot x
2 

General Reduction Identities:

1. trigonometric function (k.90  x) = cofunction ( x) , if k is an odd integer or

 π 
circular function  k .  x  = cofunction ( x) if k is an odd integer
 2 

2. trigonometric function (k.90  x) = trigonometric function ( x) ,

if k is an even integer or
 π 
circular function  k .  x  = circular function ( x) if k is an even integer
 2 

where the sign on the right side depends on the given function and the
quadrant where the given angle terminates.

Example 9. Rewrite the following trigonometric expressions using angles less than 45.
a) cos 87
b) sin 77
c) tan 83
d) sec 58
e) csc 64
f) cot 70

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 96

Solution:
a) cos 87 = cos (90- 3) = sin 3
b) sin 77 = sin (90 - 13) = cos 13
c) tan 83 = tan (90 - 7) = cot 7
d) sec 58 = sec (90 - 32) = csc 32
e) csc 64 = csc (90 - 26) = sec 26
f) cot 70 = cot (90 - 20) = tan 20

Example 10. Using only the reduction identities, find the exact values of the trigonometric
function of the given angle:
a) cos 600
b) sin 330
c) tan 405
d) sec 840

Solution: To solve the problems, we will express the angle as a difference between two angles
where the minuend is a multiple of 90 and the subtrahend is a special angle (30,
45 or 60).
a) cos 600 = cos (630 - 30) = cos (790 - 30)
=  sin 30 (since k = 7 and 7 is odd)

= - sin 30 (since 600 lies QIII and in QIII cosine is negative)

= - 12 .

b) sin 330 = sin (360 - 30) = sin (490 - 30)

=  sin 30 (since k = 4 and 4 is even)

= - sin 30 (since 330 lies QIV and in QIV sine is negative)

= - 12 .

c) tan 405 = tan (450 - 45) = tan (590 - 45)

=  cot 45 (since k = 5 and 5 is odd)

= + cot 45 (since 405 lies QI and in QI cotangent is positive)

= 1.

d) sec 585 = sec (630 - 45) = sec (790- 45)

=  csc 45 (since k = 7 and 7 is odd)

= - csc 45(since 585 lies in QIII and in QIII secant is negative)

=- 2.

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 97

Example 11. Assume that  lies in quadrant I. State the value of k and the quadrant where the
angle lies and reduce each of the following:
a) sin(5π + θ)
 5π 
b) cos θ - 
 2 
 7π 
c) tan  + θ
 2 
y

Solution: a) If  lies in quadrant I, then 5π + θ will lie in 5π + θ •P()

quadrant III (Fig. 5.4). Note that sin(5π + θ) = 

 π  A(1, 0)
sin10  + θ  and hence k = 10 (even). Since x
 2  P(5π + θ) •

5π + θ terminates in quadrant III, it follows

 π 
that sin(5π + θ) = sin10  + θ  = - sin θ .
 
Fig. 5.4
2

5π
b) If  lies in quadrant I, then θ - will lie in y
2
 5π  •P()
quadrant IV (Fig. 5.5). Note that cos θ -  = 
 2  
 π  5π A(1, 0)
cos - 5  + θ  and hence k = -5 (odd). Since k 2 x

 2  (
• P θ - 5π
2
)
5π
is odd and θ - terminates in quadrant IV, it
2 Fig. 5.5
 5π 
follows that cos θ -  = + sin θ
 2 

y
7π
c) If  lies in quadrant I, then + θ will lie in
2 •P()

 7π  
quadrant IV Fig. 5.6). Note that tan  + θ = 7π A(1, 0)
 2  2 x

 π 
tan  7  + θ  and hence k = 7 (odd). Since k is
(
• P 7π + θ
2
)
 2 
7π
+ θ terminates in quadrant IV, it
Fig. 5.6
odd and
2
 7π 
follows that tan  + θ  = - cot θ .
 2 

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 98

Exercise 5.2

1. Rewrite the following trigonometric expressions using angles less than 45.
a. sin 55
b. tan 64
c. cos 75
d. csc 67
e. sec 83
f. cot 78

2. Use the reduction identities to find the exact value of the following trigonometric function
of the given angle. Verify your answers using a calculator.
a. csc 210 f. tan 675
b. cot 240 g. sec 420
c. cos 300 h. csc 570
d. tan 495 i. sin 1140
e. sin 750 j. cot 1290

3. Use the reduction identities to find the exact value of the following trigonometric functions
of the given real number by first determining the value of k and the quadrant where the
terminal point of the arc on the unit circle will lie.

a. sin(θ − 7π) f. cos(θ − 112π )

b. sec(4π − θ) g. sec(52π - θ)

c. csc(θ − 3π) h. cot(θ − 72π )

d. cot(6π + θ) i. csc(32π + θ)

e. sin(θ + 92π ) j. tan(θ - 72π )

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 99

5.3 Double Angle Identities

The sum and difference identities can be used to derive the double angle identities.
Consider the expression cos 2 . Note that cos 2 = cos( + ) . Applying the sum identity
we have
cos 2 = cos( + ) = cos . cos  - sin .sin  = cos2  - sin 2 

So, cos 2 = cos2  - sin 2  .

Since sin2  = 1 - cos2  , we can write cos 2 = cos2  - (1 - cos2 ) or

cos 2 = 2 cos2  - 1 .

Again, we can write cos 2 = (1 - sin 2 ) - sin 2  , so that cos 2 = 1 - 2 sin 2  .

Similarly, sin 2 = sin( + ) = sin . cos  + cos . sin  . Hence, sin 2 = 2 sin  cos  .

For the tangent function, we have

tan  + tan  2 tan 

tan 2 = tan(  + ) = . Hence, tan 2 = .
1 - tan . tan  1 - tan 2 .

Thus, we have the following “double angle” or “double number” identities.

cos2 x - sin 2 x
1. cos 2 x = 2 cos2 x - 1
1 - 2 sin 2 x

2. sin 2 x = 2 sin x cos x

2 tan 
3. tan 2 =
1 - tan 2 .

It must be noted that among the three double angle identitys, the cosine function has
three equivalent forms.

Example 11. Find the values of sin 2t , cos 2t and tan 2t if

4
a. sint = and 0 < t < 12  ;
5
5
b. cos t = - and 12  < t <  ; and
13
8
c. tan t = and sint < 0 .
15

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 100

Solution:
a) Since sin 2t = 2 sin t. cost , we need to find first the value of cost . Using the
identity sin 2 t + cos2 t = 1 , cos t = ± 1 - sin 2 t = ± 1 - ( 54 ) 2 = ± 53 . So, cost = + 53
since t is in the first quadrant. Therefore,

4 3 24
• sin 2t = 2 sin t. cos t = (2). . = ;
5 5 25
32 7
• cos 2t = 1 - 2 sin 2 t = 1 - 2( 54 ) 2 = 1 - = - ; and
25 25
sin 2t 24
• tan 2t = =- .
cos 2t 7

5 12
b) Given the value of cos t = - , sin t = ± 1 - cos2 t = ± 1 - (- 135 ) 2 = + since t
13 13
terminates in QII. Hence, we have

120
• sin 2t = 2 sin t. cos t = (2)(12 5
13 )(- 13 ) = - ;
169
50 119
• cos 2t = 2 cos2 t - 1 = 2(- 135 ) 2 - 1 = -1 = - ; and
169 169
sin 2t 120
• tan 2t = =+ .
cos 2t 119

8
c) Given the value of tan t = , we need to find the values of cost and sin t . Since
15
we are given the tangent function, we can first find the value of sec t using the
identity 1 + tan 2 t = sec2 t . Thus,

17
sec t = ± 1 + tan 2 t = ± 1 + ( 158 ) 2 = - since t terminates in QIII. Therefore,
15
15 8
cos t = - and sin t = - 1 - cos2 t = - 1 - (- 17
15 2
) = - . Hence, we have
17 17

240
• sin 2t = 2 sin t. cos t = (2)(- 178 )(- 17
15
)=+ ;
289
161
• cos 2t = cos2 t - sin 2 t = (- 17
15 2
) - (- 178 ) 2 = ; and
289
sin 2t 240
• tan 2t = =+ .
cos 2t 161

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 101

Example 12. a. Obtain an identity for sin 3x in terms of sin x .

b. Obtain an identity for cos 3x in terms of cos x .
c. Obtain an identity for tan 3x in terms of tan x .

Solution:
a. sin 3x = sin(2 x + x) = sin 2x. cos x + cos 2 x. sin x
= (2 sin x. cos x)(cos x) + (1 - 2 sin 2 x).sin x
= 2 sin x.(cos2 x) + sin x - 2 sin 3 x
= 2 sin x.(1 - sin 2 x) + sin x - 2 sin 3 x
= 2 sin x - 2 sin 3 x + sin x - 2 sin 3 x
= 3 sin x - 4 sin 3 x
Hence, in terms of sin x only, sin 3x = 3 sin x - 4 sin 3 x .
b. cos3x = cos(2x + x) = cos 2x. cos x - sin 2x. sin x
= (2 cos2 x - 1)(cos x) - (2 sin x. cos x).sin x
= 2 cos3 x - cos x - 2(sin2 x).cos x
= 2 cos3 x - cos x - 2(1 - cos2 x).cos x
= 2 cos3 x - cos x - 2 cos x + 2 cos3 x
= 4 cos3 x - 3 cos x
Hence, in terms of cos x only, cos3x = 4 cos3 x - 3 cos x .
2 tan x
tan 2 x + tan x + tan x
1 - tan 2 x
c. tan 3x = tan( 2 x + x) = =
1 - tan 2 x. tan x 2 tan x
1- . tan x
1 - tan 2 x
2 tan x + tan x.(1 - tan 2 x) 3 tan x - tan 3 x
1 - tan 2 x 1 - tan 2 x
= =
(1 - tan 2 x) - 2 tan 2 x 1 - 3 tan 2 x
1 - tan 2 x 1 - tan 2 x
3 tan x - tan 3 x
= .
1 - 3 tan 2 x
3 tan x - tan 3 x
Hence, in terms of tan x only, tan 3x = .
1 - 3 tan 2 x

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 102

Example 13. Prove the following identities.

2 tan x
a. = sin 2 x
1 + tan 2 x
2
b. = sec2 x
1 + cos 2 x
1 + cos 2t
c. = cot 2 t
1 - cos 2t
1 - tan 2 x
d. = cos 2 x
1 + tan 2 x
e. cos4 x - sin 4 x = cos 2x

Solution: To establish the identity, we start from the left-hand member of the equation and
show that it is equal to the right-hand member of the equation.
2 tan x 2 tan x 2 cos sin x
x 2 sin x cos2 x
a. = = 1 = . = 2 sin x. cos x = sin 2 x .
1 + tan 2 x sec2 x cos 2 x
cos 1

2 2 2 2 1
b. = 2 = 2 = 2 = 2 = sec2 x .
1 + cos 2 x 1 + (2 cos x - 1) 1 + 2 cos x - 1) 2 cos x cos x

1 + cos 2t 1 + (2 cos2 t - 1) 2 cos2 t

c. = = = cot 2 t .
1 - cos 2t 1 - (1 - 2 sin 2 t ) 2 sin 2 t

2
sin x cos 2 x -sin 2 x
1 - tan 2 x 1 - cos 2 x cos 2 x
d. = = = cos2 x - sin 2 x = cos 2 x .
1 + tan 2 x sec2 x 1
cos 2 x

e. cos4 x - sin 4 x = (cos2 x) 2 - (sin 2 x) 2 = (cos2 x - sin 2 x).(cos2 x + sin 2 x) = cos 2 x .

            
cos 2 x 1

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 103

Exercise 5.3

1. Find the values of sin 2t , cos 2t and tan 2t if

3 3π
a. sin t = - and π  t  ;
2 2
2
b. cos t = - and 12  < t <  ; and
2
c. tan t = - 3 and cost > 0 .

2. Fill in the blanks using expressions a sin kx , a cos kx or a tan kx where a is an integer and
k is a positive integer.
a. i. cos2 x - sin2 x = _____________ d. i. 6 sin 2 x. cos 2 x = _____________
ii. cos2 2 x - sin2 2 x = ___________ ii. 2 sin 6 x. cos 6 x = ____________

iii. 2 sin 32 x. cos 32 x = __________ iii. sin 13 x. cos 13 x = ____________

b. i. 1 - 2 sin 2 x = _____________ 2 tan x

e. i. = _____________
1 - tan 2 x
ii. 1 - 2 sin 2 3x = ____________
4 tan 2 x
iii. 1 - 2 cos2 x = __________ ii. = ____________
tan 2 2 x - 1
c. i. 2 sin x cos x = _____________ 6 tan 32 x
iii. = __________
ii. 4 sin 4 x cos 4 x = ____________ 1 - tan 2 32 x

iii. 2 sin 2x . cos 2x = __________

3. Use the double angle identity to prove the following identities:

cot 2 θ − 1
a. cot 2θ =
2 cot θ

sec2 θ
b. sec 2θ =
1 − tan 2 θ

csc3 x
c. csc 3x =
3 csc2 x − 4

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 104

5.4 Half Angle Identities

The “double angle” identities cos 2 = 2 cos2  - 1 and cos 2 = 1 - 2 sin 2  can be
manipulated to give rise to the “half-angle’ identities. Solving for cos  and sin  from these
equations will yield the equations,

1 + cos 2 1 - cos 2
cos2  = and sin 2  = .
2 2

1 + cos 2 1 - cos 2
Hence, cos  = ± and sin  = ± . Note that for these equations,
2 2
the angle on the left-hand side is “half” of the angle of the right-hand side. Hence if we let

 = 2 , then  = . Using this value of  , we have the following “half-angle” or half-
2
number” identities:

 1 + cos 
1. cos =±
2 2
 1 - cos 
2. sin =±
2 2
 1 - cos 
3. tan =±
2 1 + cos 

α
From these identities, it is easy to discern, for instance, that cos2   = 12 (1 + cos α)
2
α
or cos2  = 12 (1 + cos 2) . Also, for tan , we can write it in another form as follows:
2

 sin 2 2 sin 2 . cos 2 sin   sin 

tan =  = = or tan = .
2 cos 2 2 cos 2 2 
1 + cos  2 1 + cos 

 sin 
Also, the right-hand side of the equation tan = can be written in different
2 1 + cos 
form. Note that,
 sin  sin (1 - cos ) sin (1 - cos ) sin (1 - cos ) 1 - cos 
tan = = = = =
2 1 + cos  (1 + cos )(1 - cos ) 1 - cos 2  sin 2  sin 
.
 1 - cos 
Hence, tan = .
2 sin 

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 105


We summarize below three equivalent forms for tan :
2
 1 - cos 
tan =±
2 1 + cos 

 sin 
tan =
2 1 + cos 

 1 - cos 
tan =
2 sin 

Example 14. Use the half-measure identities to find the exact value of the following:

 7 
a. sin b. cos c. tan d. cos 15 e. tan 22.5
8 8 12


 4 1 - cos 4 
Solution: a. sin = sin = + (positive since terminates in QI)
8 2 2 8
1 - 22 2- 2
2 2- 2 2- 2
= + = + =+ =+ .
2 2 4 2

7
7 4 1 + cos 74 7
b. cos = cos = - (negative since terminates in QII)
8 2 2 8
1 + 22 2+ 2
2 2+ 2 2+ 2
=- =- =- =-
2 2 4 2


 6 1 - cos 6 1 - 23 2- 3
2 2- 3 2
c. tan = tan = = 1 = = . = 2- 3.
12 2 sin 6 2
1
2 2 1

30° 1 + cos 30°

d. cos15° = cos =+ (positive since 15 terminates in QI)
2 2
1 + 23 2+ 3
2 2+ 3 2+ 3
= + = + =+ =+ .
2 2 4 2

45° 1 - cos 45° 1 - 22 2- 2

2
e. tan 22.5° = tan = = 2 = 2
2 sin 45° 2 2

2- 2 2 2- 2 2 2 2 -2
= . = . = = 2 -1.
2 2 2 2 2

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 106

Example 15. Use the half-measure identities to find the indicated function values.
1 t
a. Given cost = and 0 < t < 12  . Find sin .
3 2
5 
b. Given tan  = - , and sin > 0 . Find tan .
12 2
24 x
c. Given sin x = and 12  < x <  . Find cos .
25 2

t 1 - cos t 1 - ( 13 )
Solution: a. sin =± =+ (positive since t terminates in QI)
2 2 2
3-1
3 2 1 1.3 3
= + =+ =+ = = .
2 6 3 3.3 3


b. The value of tan depends on the value of sin  and cos  . Since we are
2
given the value of tan  , we can find the value of sec  . Note that since 
terminates in QII, hence,

13
sec  = - 1 + tan 2  = - 1 + (- 125 ) 2 = - 1 + 144
25
=- 144+ 25
144 =- 169
144 =- .
12

12
Thus, cos  = - . The value of sin  can be obtained using the identity
13
sin 2  + cos2  = 1 . Therefore,

5
sin  = + 1 - cos2  = + 1 - (- 12 2 144
13 ) = + 1 - 169 = +
169-144
169 =+ 25
169 =+ .
13

Using the values of sin  and cos  , we have

 sin  5
13
5
13 5 13
tan = = = = . = 5.
2 1 + cos  1 + (- 12
13 )
13 - 12
13 13 1

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 107

x
c. Since the value of cos depends on the value of cos x , we have to find this
2
value using the given value of sin x . Note that x lies in QII, thus,

7
cos x = - 1 - sin 2 x = - 1 - ( 24 2
25 ) = -
625 - 576
625 =- 49
625 =- 49
625 =-
25
x
Now, x lies in QII implies that will lie in QI. Therefore,
2
x 1 + cos x 1 + (- 257 )
cos = + =+ .
2 2 2
25 - 7 18
25 25 18 9 3
=+ = = = =
2 2 2(25) 5 5

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 108

Exercise 5.4

1. Use the half-measure identities to find the exact value of the following:
3
a. cos
8
7
b. sin
8

5
c. tan
12

d. sin 22.5

e. tan 67.5

2. Use the half-measure identities to find the indicated function values.

3 x
a. Given sin x = - and  < x < 32  . Find cos .
5 2
1 x
b. Given cos x = and 32  < x < 2 . Find sin .
2 2

c. Given tan  = 3 , and cos < 0 . Find tan .
2
5 α
d. Given tan α = − , and cos θ  0 . Find tan .
12 2
4 θ
e. Given cos θ = − , and tan θ  0 . Find sin .
5 2

3. Prove: a) 2 cos2 ( 2x ) - cos x = 1 ;

b) 2 sin 2 ( 2x ) + cos x = 1 ;
c) 2 cos2 ( 2x ).sec x = sec x + 1 .

4. Use the half angle identity to prove the following identities:

3 + 4 cos 2 x + cos 4 x
a. cos4 x =
8
1 − cos 2θ
b. tan θ =
sin 2θ
c. cos ( 2 ) − sin 2 ( 2x ) = cos x
2 x

(1 − cos x) 2
d. tan ( ) =
2 x
2
sin 2 x

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 109

5.5 Product Identities

The sum and product identitys can be derived using the identities involving the sine
and cosine of a sum or difference of two numbers. Let us again write down the expanded
forms of cos( - ) , cos( + ) , sin( + ) and sin( - ) .
cos(α + β) = cos α cosβ − sin α sin β (1)
cos(α − β) = cos α cosβ + sin α sin β (2)
sin(α + β) = sin α cosβ − cos α sin β (3)
sin(α − β) = sin α cosβ − cos α sin β (4)

Adding equations (1) and (2) yields the equation

cos(α + β) + cos(α - β) = 2 cos α cos β (5).

Subtracting equation (2) from equation (1), yields the equation

cos(α + β) - cos(α - β) = - 2 sin α sin β (6).

Also, adding equations (3) and (4) yields the equation

sin(α + β) + sin(α - β) = 2 sin α cos β (7).

Finally, subtracting equation (4) from equation (3) yields the equation

sin(α + β) - sin(α - β) = 2 cos α sin β (8).

Equations (5) to (8) yield the following product identities:

1
cos α cos β = [cos(α + β) + cos(α - β)]
2
1
sin α sin β = - [cos(α + β) - cos(α - β)]
2
1
sin α cos β = [sin( α + β) + sin(α - β)]
2
1
cos α sin β = [sin( α + β) - sin(α - β)]
2

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 110

Example 16. Express the following products as a sum.

a. cos 5x cos 2 x
b. sin 6 x sin 2 x
c. sin 5x cos 3x
d. cos5x sin 7 x

1 1
Solution: a. cos 5 x cos 2 x = [cos(5 x + 2 x) + cos(5 x - 2 x)] = (cos 7 x + cos 3x)
2 2
1 1
b. sin 6 x sin 2 x = - [cos(6 x + 2 x) - cos(6 x - 2 x)] = - (cos8 x - cos 4 x)
2 2
1 1
c. sin 5x cos 3x = [sin(5 x + 3x) + sin(5 x - 3x)] = (sin 8 x + sin 2 x)
2 2
1 1
d. cos5x sin 7 x = [sin(5 x + 7 x) - sin(5 x - 7 x)] = [sin 12 x - sin(-2 x)]
2 2   
-sin( 2 x )

1
= (sin12 x + sin 2 x)
2

Example 17. Find the exact value of the following.

a. sin 247 π cos 241 π
b. cos 18 π cos 78 π
c. sin 241 π sin 245 π
d. cos 83 π sin 118 π
Solution:
a. sin 247 π cos 241 π = 12 [sin( 247  + 241 ) + sin( 247  - 241 )]
 3 2 3+ 2
= 12 [sin( 13  ) + sin( 14  )] = 12  + =
 .
 2 2  4

b. cos 18 π cos 78 π = 12 [cos(18  + 78 ) + (cos 18  - 78 )] = 12 [cos() + cos(- 34 )]

-2- 2
= 12 [cos() + cos( 34 )] = 12 [-1 + (- 2
2
)] = .
4

c. sin 241 π sin 245 π = - 12 [cos( 241  + 245 ) - cos(241  - 245 )]
= - 12 [cos( 14 ) - cos(- 16 )]
 2 3 - 2+ 3
= - 12 [cos( 14  ) - cos(16  )] = - 12  - =
 .
 2 2  4

d. cos 83 π sin 118 π = 12 [sin( 83  + 118 ) - cos(83  - 118 )]

 2  2
= 12 [sin( 74  ) - sin(- )] = 12  - - 0  = - .
 2  4

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 111

5.6 Sum Identities

Let us again consider equations (5) to (8).

cos(α + β) + cos(α - β) = 2 cos α cos β (5).

cos(α + β) - cos(α - β) = - 2 sin α sin β (6).
sin(α + β) + sin(α - β) = 2 sin α cos β (7).
sin(α + β) - sin(α - β) = 2 cos α sin β (8).

If we let  +  = x ,  -  = y , and solve for  and  we get the equations

x+ y x- y
= and  = .
2 2
Hence we have the following sum identities:

x+ y x- y
cos x + cos y = 2 cos cos
2 2
x+ y x- y
cos x - cos y = -2 sin sin
2 2
x+ y x- y
sin x + sin y = 2 sin cos
2 2
x+ y x- y
sin x - sin y = 2 cos sin
2 2

Example 18. Express the given sum or difference as a product.

a. cos 4 x + cos 2 x
b. cos5x - cos3x
c. sin 6 x + sin 2 x
d. sin 3x - sin x

Solution: a. cos 4x + cos 2 x = 2 cos(4 x+2 2 x ).cos(4 x2-2 x ) = 2 cos3x cos x

b. cos5x - cos3x = -2 sin( 5 x+23x ).sin( 5 x2-3x ) = - 2 sin 4 xsin x .

c. sin 6x + sin 2x = 2 sin( 6 x+22 x ).cos(6 x2-2 x ) = 2 sin 4 x cos 2 x
d. sin 3x - sin x = 2 cos(3 x2+ x ).sin( 3 x2- x ) = 2 cos 2 xsin x

Example 19. Simplify the following.

cos 28 + cos 32
a.
sin 28 + sin 12
sin 80° - sin 40°
b.
cos 40° - cos 80°

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 112

Solution:
cos 28 + cos 32 2 cos(28+232 )  cos(282-32 ) 2 cos 30  cos(-4)
a. = =
sin 28 + sin 32 2 sin( 28+2 32 )  cos(282-32 ) 2 sin 30  cos(-4)
= cot 30° = 3 .

sin 80 - sin 40 2 cos(80+240 )  sin( 802-40 ) 2 cos 60  sin 20
b. = =
cos 40 - cos80 - 2 sin( 2 )  sin( 2 ) - 2 sin 60  (sin- 20)
80+ 40 80- 40
   
-sin 20
2 cos 60  sin 20
=
2 sin 60  sin 20
cos 60 1
1
= = 2
= .
sin 60
3
2 3
cos 2 y + cos 4 y
Example 20. Prove that = cot y .
sin 4 y - sin 2 y

Proof: cos 2 y + cos 4 y = 2 cos(2 y +2 4 y ) cos(2 y2-4 y ) = 2 cos 3 y  cos(-y) = 2 cos 3 y  cos y
also, sin 4 y - sin 2 y = 2 cos(4 y +2 2 y ) sin( 4 y2-2 y ) = 2 cos 3 y  sin y .

cos 2 y + cos 4 y 2 cos 3 y. cos y cos y

Therefore, = = = cot y .
sin 4 y - sin 2 y 2 cos 3 y. sin y sin y

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 113

Exercise 5.5

1. Write the following expressions as a product.

a. sin 6t + sin 2t
b. cos 6t + cos 2t
c. sin 5t - sin 3t
d. cos 4t – cos 6t

2. Write the following expressions as a product.

a. sin 75+ sin 15
b. cos 75 - cos 15
c. cos 105 + cos 15
d. sin 105- sin 15

3. Find the exact value of the following:

sin 37 ° + sin 23°
a.
cos 37° + cos 23°

sin 144 − sin 126

b.
cos144 − cos126
sin 140° - sin 20°
c.
cos140 ° + cos 20°

4. Prove the identity

sin 3x + sin 7 x
a. = tan 5 x
cos 3 x + cos 7 x

sin 2α + sin 2β
b. = tan (α +  )
cos 2α + cos 2β
cos t − cos 5t
c. = 4 sin 3t
cos t sin t

sin 6t + sin 4t
d. = 2 cot t
sin t sin 5t

sin 6t + sin 2t
e. = tan 4t
cos 6t + cos 2t

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 114

5.7 Proving Identities

In this lesson, you will be required to integrate the eight basic identities (ratio,
reciprocal and pythagorean identities) and the other identities discussed in the preceding
lessons. Familiarity with these identities coupled with your skills in algebra will help you
establish an identity with ease.

An identity is any equation which is true for all replacement values of the argument of
the circular functions. To prove an identity means to make the left-hand and right-hand
members of the equation identical. This can be done by manipulating one side and
transforming it into an expression found on the other side of the equation. In instances when
the two sides seem to be equally complicated, both sides can be manipulated at the same time
and reduced to simpler expressions that are equal.

We now provide you with some problems on proving identities. There is no single
method that will help you establish identities. You have to practice a lot for you to acquire the
skills in proving identities.

1 + sin x
Example 21. Prove: = sec x + tan x
cos x

1 + sin x 1 sin x
Proof: = + = sec x + tan x
cos x cos x cos x

sec  + 1 1 + cos 
Example 22. Prove: =
sec  - 1 1 - cos 

1 1 + cos θ
+1
sec θ + 1 cos θ 1 + cosθ cos θ 1 + cos θ
Proof: = = cos θ =  =
sec θ - 1 1 1 - cos θ cosθ 1 - cos θ 1 - cos θ
-1
cos θ cos θ

cot 2 x - 1
Example 23. Prove: = cos 2 x
cot 2 x + 1

cos 2 x cos 2 x - sin 2 x cos2 x - sin 2 x

cot 2 x - 1 -1
sin 2 x sin 2 x sin 2 x
Proof: = = =
cot 2 x + 1 cos 2 x cos2 x + sin 2 x 1
+ 1
2
sin x 2
sin x sin 2 x

cos 2 x - sin 2 x sin 2 x

= 2
 = cos 2 x - sin 2 x = cos 2 x
sin x 1

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 115

1 1
Example 24. Prove: + = 2 sec2 
1 + sin  1 - sin 

1 1 (1 - sin ) + (1 + sin )
Proof: + =
1 + sin  1 - sin  (1 - sin )(1 + sin )

1 - sin  + 1 + sin  2
= = = 2 sec2 
1 - sin 
2
cos2 

cos x 1 - sin x
Example 25. Prove: = .
1 + sin x cos x

Proof: Note that cross multiplying the terms of both sides of the equation will not establish
the identity. To establish the identity, we can start manipulating the left hand side.
Since the terms involve the basic functions already, the most that can be done will be
to multiply both terms of the left-hand member by (1 – sinx). Thus,

cos x cos x 1 - sin x cos x(1 - sin x) cos x(1 - sin x) cos x(1 - sin x) 1 - sin x
= . = = = =
1 + sin x 1 + sin x 1 - sin x 1 - sin 2 x cos2 x cos x. cos x cos x

Example 26. Prove: tan 2 x - sin 2 x = tan 2 x  sin 2 x

sin 2 x
Proof: tan 2 x - sin 2 x = - sin 2 x
cos2 x

sin 2 x - sin 2 x  cos2 x

=
cos2 x

sin 2 x(1 - cos2 x)

=
cos2 x

sin 2 x sin 2 x
= 
cos 2 x 1

= tan 2 x  sin 2 x

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 116

sin x cos x
Example 27. Prove: sin x + cos x + = sec x + csc x − .
cot x tan x

Proof: We reduce both sides of the equation ast the same time, thus

sin x cos x
sin x + cos x + = sec x + csc x −
cot x tan x
sin 2 x 1 1 cos2 x
sin x + cos x + = + −
cos x cos x sin x sin x
sin x  cos x + cos2 x + sin 2 x sin x + cos x − cos3 x
=
cos x cos x  sin x
sin x  cos x + 1 sin x + cos x  (1 − cos2 x)
=
cos x cos x  sin x
sin x + cos x  sin 2 x
sin x + sec x =
cos x  sin x
sin x  (1 + cos x  sin x)
sin x + sec x =
cos x  sin x
1 + cos x  sin x
sin x + sec x =
cos x
sin x + sec x = sec x + sin x

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.

Trigonometric Identities 117

Exercise 5.6 Prove the following identities.

sec  1 + sin x 1 - sin x
1. = tan  16. - = 4 tan x. sec x
csc  1 - sin x 1 + sin x
tan  1 - cos x
2. = sec  17. 2 csc2 x - 2 csc x - 1 =
sin  1 + cos x
1 + cot 2 x tan x
3. = cot 2 x 18. 2 cos x - sec x = cos x -
sec2 x csc x
1 - tan 2 x
4. (1 + sin )(1 - sin ) = cos  2
19. = 2 cos2 x - 1
1 + tan 2 x
sec 2 x - 1
5. sec2 x + csc2 x = sec2 x. csc2 x 20. sec 2 x - 1 =
sec 2 x + 1
sin  1 + cos 
6. + = 2 csc2  21. cos(x + y).cos(x - y) = cos2 x - cos2 y
1 + cos  sin 
cos 1 + cos 2θ + sin2θ
7. = 1 + sin  22. = cos θ + sinθ
sec - tan  2 cos θ
sin  - sin 3
8. = 2 sin  23. csc 2 y − cot 2 y = tan y
sin 2  - cos2 
sin 4 x - sin 2 x cot θ + csc θ - 1
9. = tan x 24. = cot θ + csc θ
cos 4 x + cos 2 x cotθ - cscθ + 1
x+ y x- y
10. sin x + sin y = 2 sin cos 25. cot 4 θ − csc4 θ = cot 2 θ + csc2 θ
2 2
1 − cos θ sin θ
11. cos 4 x = 8 cos4 x - 4 cos2 x + 2 26. + = 2 csc θ
sinθ 1 - cosθ
sin x + sin y x+ y x- y 1 − cos 2θ
12. = tan . cot 27. = tan 2 θ
sin x - sin y 2 2 1 + cos2θ
sin x + sin 2 x x sin( x + y ) + sin( x − y )
13. = cot 28. = tan x
cos x - cos 2 x 2 cos(x + y ) + cos(x − y )
sin(2a - 3b) + sin 3b 1 − tan 2 θ
14. = tan x 29. = cos 2θ
cos(2a - 3b) + cos 3b 1 + tan 2 θ
sin x cos x sec2 θ + 1
15. + = sin x + cos x 30. = csc2 θ + cot 2 θ
1 - cot x 1 - tan x sec2 θ - 1

Gabino P. Petilos, Ph.D.