Solutions of Oblique

TRIGONOMETRY Triangles

OVERVIEW:
In geometry, we learned to prove congruence of triangles – that is when two triangles are
exactly the same. We used several rules to prove congruence: Angle-Side-Angle (ASA), Angle-
Angle-Side (AAS), Side-Angle-Side (SAS) and Side-Side-Side (SSS). In trigonometry, we take it a
step further. For instance, if we know the values of two angles and a side of a triangle, we can solve
that triangle … that is we can find the other angle and the other sides. We have learned to solve right
triangles in Unit 3. In this section we learn how to solve oblique triangles – triangles that do not have a
right angle. First, let’s start with a generalization for this section. All triangles will have 6 pieces of
information ---3 angles and 3 sides. Note that right angle trigonometry doesn’t help us here. There is
no right angle, thus no hypotenuse. We need something else.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Define oblique triangle;
2. Determine the cases of oblique triangle to be solved using the Law of Sine and the Law of
Cosine;
3. State the Law of Sine and the Law of Cosine;
4. Find the unknown parts of an oblique triangles using the Sine Law and the Cosine Law;
5. Solve real-world problems that require to solve oblique triangles.
LEARNING CONTENT:
INTRODUCTION:
Trigonometry can help us solve non-right triangles as well. Non-right triangles are known as
oblique triangles. There are two categories of oblique triangles --- acute and obtuse. An oblique
triangle is a triangle with no right angle. We will continue to go by our usual practice in this topic of
naming the three vertices of the triangle (using capital letters/uppercase) and naming the sides
opposite these vertices (using small letters/lowercase), respectively.
An oblique triangle is determined, meaning it can be solved, if a side and any two other
parts are known. Three basic situations fulfill this simple requirement: when two angles and a side are
given, two sides and an angle are given, or three sides are given.
A special circumstance arises when two sides and their included angle are given. In such
situation, the triangle is not always determined; this situation has garnered the name the ambiguous
case, and is the only situation in which a side and two other parts of a triangle don't determine the
triangle. Also, problem arises when two sides and an angle opposite one of them are known. This is
called the ambiguous case. In this section, we'll study the Law of Sines and the Law of Cosines,
and each possible scenario.
A unique triangle is not always determined. The possible solutions depend on whether the
given angle is acute or obtuse. When the angle is acute, five possible solutions exist. When the angle
is obtuse, three possible solutions exist. These conditions will be discussed in this topic.
DEFINITION of OBLIQUE TRIANGLE
An Oblique triangle is a non-right triangle --- it is a triangle with no right angle in it. Its three angles is
composed of either: (a) three acute angles or (b) two acute angles and one obtuse angle.

One OBTUSE and 2 ACUTE angles

All ACUTE angles

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 Solutions of Oblique
TRIGONOMETRY Triangles

If none of the angles of a triangle is a right angle, then the triangle is an OBLIQUE triangle.
There are four cases in an oblique triangle.
One side and two angles are known. (ASA or SAA)
A
A ASA SAA
CASE 1
S A
A

Two sides and the angle opposite one of them are

S known. (SSA)

CASE 2 SSA
S

Two sides and Sthe included angle are known. (SAS)

CASE 3 S
SAS
A

Three sides are known.

S (SSS)

CASE 4 S S
SSS

NOTE: Law of Sines is used for Case 1 and Case 2 and the Law of Cosines is used for Case
3 and Case 4
LET’S DO THESE…
A. Identify the most appropriate case that must be used to solve each of the following oblique
triangle.

1. ASA–CASE 1 4.
SAA–CASE 1

2. 5.

SSA–CASE 2 SSS–CASE 4

3. 6.

ASA–CASE 1 SAS–CASE 3

B. Determine the case of oblique triangle that corresponds to each of the following. Indicate
the appropriate law. (Assume that the given triangle is ABC).
1. (b, c, A) SAS–CASE 3 (Cosine Law) 4. (C, b, c) SSA–CASE 2 (Sine Law)
2. (A, B, a) SAA–CASE 1 (Sine Law) 5. (C, b, a) SAS–CASE 3Solutions of Oblique
(Cosine Law)
TRIGONOMETRY Triangles
3. (A, c, B) ASA–CASE 1 (Sine Law) 6. (a, b, c) SSS–CASE 4 (Cosine Law)

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 In summary, the Law of Sines states that in any oblique triangle, the sides are proportional to
the sines of the opposite angles.

When using the Law of Sines to find an unknown angle, you must watch out for the ambiguous
case. This occurs when two different triangles could be created using the given information. When
you are given two sides and an angle not in between those sides, you need to be on the lookout
for the ambiguous case. The given angle can be either acute or obtuse (if the angle is right, then
you can simply use right triangle solving techniques). The side opposite the given angle is either
greater than, equal to, or less than the other given side.

In this ambiguous case, three possible situations can occur:

1. No triangle with the given information exists.
2. One such triangle exists
3. Two distinct triangles may be formed that satisfy the given conditions.

These possibilities are summarized in the diagrams below.

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 Solutions of Oblique
TRIGONOMETRY Triangles

FIND ME…. LAW of SINES

1. Solve ABC if the following parts are given: A = 22 15’ B = 75 32’ a = 43
C This is CASE 1 (SAA): 3. To solve for c
? 1. To solve for C a = c
b=?
C = 180⁰ – (A + B) sin A sin C
a = 43 C = 180⁰ – (22⁰ 15’ + 75⁰ 32’) c = a sin C
C = 82⁰ 13’ sin A
75 32’ 2215’ c = 43 sin 82⁰ 13’
B A
c=? 2. To solve for b sin 22⁰ 15’
C
a = b__ c = 112.52  113
82 13’ sin A sin B
b = 110
a = 43 b = a sin B
sin A
2215’
b = 43 sin 75⁰ 32’
75 32’
B A sin 22⁰ 15’
c = 113
b = 109.96  110

2. Given the figure below, calculate the distance from point A to point B.

This is CASE 1 (ASA): 2. To solve for c

1. To solve for B b = c
B = 180⁰ – (A + C) sin B sin C
B = 180⁰ – (61⁰ 28’ + 54⁰ 53’) c = b sin C
B = 63⁰ 39’ sin B
c = 200 sin 54⁰ 53’
sin 63⁰ 39’
c = 182.57  183 m

3. Determine the height, h, of the drawing below:

This is CASE 1 (ASA): 2. To solve for h

1. To solve for B sin A = h
B = 180⁰ – (A + C) c
B = 180⁰ – (72⁰ 18’ + 60⁰ 32’) h = c sin A
B = 47⁰ 10’ h = 594 sin 62⁰ 5’
h = 524.88  525
2. Solve for c
c = b
sin C sin B
c = b sin C
sin B
c = 500 sin 60⁰ 32’
sin 47⁰ 10’
c = 593.62  594

4. In ABC, let A = 40⁰, b = 10 and a = 9. Find the missing parts.

This is CASE 1 (SSA): sin B = 0.7142084552
1. To solve for B B = sin–1 0.7142084552
a = b B = 45⁰ 34’ 42.12”
sin A sin B
sin B = b sin A
a
sin B = 10 sin 40⁰
9

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 Solutions of Oblique
TRIGONOMETRY Triangles

2. To solve for h 3. To solve for C 4. To solve for c

sin A = h_ C = 180⁰ -(A + B) a = c_
b C = 180⁰ – (40⁰ + 45⁰ 34’ 42.12”) sin A sin C
h = b sin A C = 94⁰ 25’ 17.88” c = a sin C
h = 10 sin 40⁰ sin A
h = 6.43 c = 9 sin 94⁰ 25’ 17.88”
sin 40⁰
a > h (2 solutions) c = 13.96  14

5. Calculate the radius of the circle circumscribed in a triangle, where A = 45⁰, B = 72 ⁰, and a
= 20 m.
To solve for r:
a = 2r
sin A
r= a
2 sin A
r = 20
2 sin 45⁰
r = 14.14 m

6. From a window, Nena sees two objects: a car and a tree. The angle of depression of the
car is 50 while that of the tree is 30. If the distance between the car and the tree is 100
meters, how far is Nena from the tree?

N
30⁰ 50⁰

20⁰

30⁰
T C T
100 m
Given: 2. NT = CT_ NT = 100 sin 150⁰
N = 20⁰ T = 30⁰ CT = 100 m sin C sin N sin 20⁰
Find: NT NT sin N = CT sin C NT = 223.98  224 m
NT = CT sin C
1. C = 180⁰  (20⁰ + 30⁰) = 130⁰ sin N
Therefore, Nena is 224 m away from the tree.

7. There is a tree out in front of our yard. It is tilted slightly at 70⁰. A house is 66 ½ feet away
from the tree. The angle from the house to the top of the tree is 40⁰. A family who lives in is
worried that if there is a big storm the tree will fall and hit the house. Find out the
dimensions of the triangle To solve the height of the tree
AB = AC_
sin C sin B
AB sin B = AC sin C
AB = AC sin C
sin B
AB = 66.5 sin 40⁰
sin 70⁰
AB = 45.89 (66.5 – 45.89 = 20.61)
There is still 20 feet to spare.

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 Solutions of Oblique
TRIGONOMETRY Triangles

Deriving the Law of Cosines h = b sin A k = b cos A

Write an equation using Pythagorean theorem for shaded triangle:
a2 = (b  sin A)2 + (c – b  cos A)2
a2 = b2  sin2 A + c2 – 2  c  b  cos A + b2  cos2 A
a2 = b2 (sin2 A + cos2 A) + c2 – 2bc cos A
a2 = b2 + c2 – 2bc cos A Note: sin2 A + cos2 A = 1
Similarly,
b2 = a2 + c2 – 2ac cos B c2 = a2 + b2 – 2ab cos C

In summary, the Law of Cosines states that in any oblique triangle, that the square of one side
of a triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides minus the product of twice
the two sides and the cosine of the angle between them called the included angle.

To find the sides: To find the Angles:

a2 = b2 + c2 – 2bc cos A Cos A = b2 + c2 – a2
2bc
b2 = a2 + c2 – 2ac cos B Cos B = a2 + c2 – b2
2ac
c2 = a2 + b2 – 2ab cos C Cos C = a + b2 – c2
2

2ab

The Law of Cosines is useful for finding:

1. The third side of a triangle when we know two sides and the angle between them.

2. The angles of a triangle when we know all three sides.

FIND ME…. LAW of COSINES

1. Given the triangle below, find its unknown parts.
To solve for A: a = 9 b=5 c=8
1. cos A = b2 + c2 – a2 To solve for C
2bc 3. C = 180⁰  (A + B)
cos A = 52 + 82 – 92 C = 180⁰ – (84⁰ 15’ 38.99” + 33⁰ 33’ 26.32”)
2(5)(8) C = 62⁰ 10’ 54.69”
cos A = 0.1
A = cos–1 0.1 = 84⁰ 15’ 38.99”

To solve for B:
2. cos B = a2 + c2 – b2 cos B = 0.8333333
2ac B = cos–1 0.833333 = 33⁰ 33’ 26.32”
cos B = 9 + 82 – 52
2

2(9)(8)

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 Solutions of Oblique
TRIGONOMETRY Triangles

2. Find the length of side z on the given triangle below:

To solve for z: x = 9.4 y = 6.5 Z = 131⁰
z
z2 = x2 + y2 – 2xy cos Z
y = 6.5 z2 = 9.42 + 6.52 – 2(9.4)(6.5) cos 131⁰
z2 = 210.78
x = 9.4 z = 14.52

1. A surveyor wishes to find the straight–line distance between two points P and Q on
opposite sides of a hill. Using radar, he finds that the distance from the top of the hill to P is
960 meters and the distance from the top of the hill to Q is 830 meters. The angle between
two lines of sight is measured as 153. Find the distance between P and Q to 2 decimal
digits.
Given: HP = 960 m HQ = 830 m H = 153⁰

PQ2 = HQ2 + HP2 – 2(HQ)(HP) cos H

PQ2 = 8302 + 9602 – 2(830)(960) cos 153⁰
hill PQ2 =3030407.997
153⁰
PQ = 1 740.81 m  1 741 m
960 m 830 m
Point P is 1 741 m away from point Q.

P Q

2. Two boat leaves the same port. The first travels NW at 40⁰ at a speed of 60 mph. The
second boat travels SW at 20⁰ and a speed of 45 mph. If both boats leave at the same
time, find the distance between the boats after two hours.
Note:
N
t = 2 hours
60 mi
60 mi speed of the 1st boat = 60 mph
40⁰ speed of the 2nd boat = 45 mph
c20⁰c c P
Q Q

c
Q

d = rt
45 mi
45 mi S
d1 = 60(2) = 120 d2= 45(2) = 90
c

p = distacne between the two boats P = 60⁰

p2 = n2 + s2 – 2ns cos P
p2 = 1202 + 902 – 2(120)(90) cos 60⁰
p2 = 11 700
p = 108.17 mi The two boats are 108.17 miles away from each other
3. Two airplanes leave an airport at the same time. An hour later, they are 189 km apart. If
one plane travelled 168 kph and the other travelled 224 kph during the hour, find the angle
between their flight paths.
cos E = 2242 + 1682  1892
2(224)(168)
e = 189 km cos E = 0.5670572917
G
F E = cos–1 0.5670572917
E = 55.4547⁰

g = 168 km f = 224 km

E
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 Solutions of Oblique
TRIGONOMETRY Triangles

4. Three dogs are sitting in a kitchen and waiting to get their dog food. Dog A is 4.5 feet from
Dog B, and Dog C is 2.5 feet from Dog A, as shown in the diagram below. Note that the
three dogs’ positions form a right (90°) angle. The angles formed at Dogs A and B to the
dog food are 40° and 80°, respectively, as shown in the diagram. How far is Dog C from
the dog food?
D Figure 1: 1. Use the Law of Sines to solve b
b = d__
D
sin B sin D
b = d sin B
4 .5 ft

60⁰
b
sin D
4.5 ft

4 .5 ft

b = 4.5 sin 80⁰ = 5.12 ft

4 .5 ft

sin 60⁰
4 .5 ft
4.5 ft

A 40⁰ 80⁰
B
4.5 ft

Figure 2: 2. Use the Law of Cosines to solve x

x ft
C 4.5 ft 4.5 ft 4.5 ft 4 .5 ft 4.5 ft 4.5 ft

F x2 = f2 + c2 – 2fc cos E
x2 = 2.52 +5.122 -2(2.5)(5.12) cos 50⁰
  2.5 ft x2 16.001
5.12 ft x = 4.001  4
50⁰
Therefore, the distance between Dog C and the dog food is 4 feet.
E

The LAW of SINES is used to solve triangles in which Case 1 or Case 2 holds.
That is, the Law of SInes is used to solve SAA, ASA or SSA triangles.

The LAW of SINES is the relationship between the sides and angles of non-right
triangles. Simply, it states that the ratio of the length of a side of a triangle to the
sine of the angle opposite side is the same for all sides and angles in a given
triangle.
FUN FACTS
The ambiguous case occurs when one uses the Law of Sines to determine
missing measures of an oblique ttriangle when the given are two sides and an
angle opposite one of those angles (SSA).

The LAW of COSINES is used tosolve triangle in which Case 3 or Case 4 holds.
That is, Law of Cosines is used to solve SAS or SSS.

The LAW of COSINES is used to find the remaining parts of an oblique (non-
right) triangle when either the lengths of two sides and the measure of the
included angle (SAS) or the lengths of the three sides (SSS) are known.

TRY THESE…
1. Joe, who is a farmer, needs to fence his triangular plot of land for his cows. The angle between
two sides measures 80⁰. One side is 122 feet and the other side is 215 feet. How much fencing
does Joe need to the nearest foot? What is the area of his plot land?

x2 = 1222 + 2152 – 2(122)(215) cos 83⁰

x2 = 54 715.73424
x = 233.91  234 ft A = ½ (side 1)(side 2) (sin )
The 3rd side of the lot measures234 A = ½ (122)(215) sin 83⁰
feet. A = 13 017.24 ft2

Therefore, the area of Joe’s

P = s + s + s
plot land is 13 017.24 feet2
P = 122 + 215 + 234 = 571 feet
So, Joe needs 571 feet fencing
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 Solutions of Oblique
TRIGONOMETRY Triangles

1. Ali and Brynn are standing 250 yards apart. Both girls sight an airplane with angles of
elevation 40° and 45°, respectively. How far from the plane is Ali?
Law of Sines will be used:
b = 250_
sin B sin 95⁰
?

b = 250 sin 45⁰

sin 95⁰

b = 177.45 yards Therefore, Ali is 177.45

yards away from the plane.

2. As shown in the picture below, in parallelogram ABCD, AD = 450 feet, AB = 240 feet, and

diagonal AC = 290 feet. What is the measure of ∠BCD?
Law of Cosines will be used: We know that two adjacent angles
cos B = 2402 + 4502 – 2902 (two angles in a row) of a
2(240)(450) parallelogram add up to180⁰
cos B = 0.81481
B = cos–1 0.81481 BCD = 180⁰  35.43⁰ = 144.57⁰
B = 35.43⁰

3. Calculate the distance between points A and B. CB = 450____

sin 80⁰ 40’ sin 66⁰ 44”
AC = 450___
sin 43 ⁰ 52’ sin 67⁰ 57’ CB = 450 sin 80⁰ 40’
sin 66⁰ 44”
AC = 450 sin 43 ⁰ 52’
sin 67⁰ 57’ CB = 483.35 m
AC = 336.45 m

x2 = 336.452 + 483.352 – 2(336.45)(483.35) cos (68⁰ 11’  32⁰ 36’)

x2 = 82 312.82
x = 286.90 m

Therefore, the distance between point A and point B is 286.9 meters.

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 TRIGONOMETRY Solutions of Oblique Triangles

ASSESSMENT TASK

TEST I. Tell whether the SINE LAW or COSINE LAW (indicate also the case) is the most appropriate to use
in each of the following. DRAW the TRIANGLE and LABEL it CORRECTLY. (DO NOT SOLVE.)
1. Two forces 5 newtons and 7 newtons, respectively are exerted on the same object. If the
angle between them is measured to be 80 10’ and the other two are equal, find the
resultant force.
Drawing: Answer: ______________________

2. A vertical pole stands by a road that is inclined 15 to the horizontal. When the angle of
elevation of the sun is 25, the pole casts a shadow of 40 feet long directly downhill along
the road. How long is the pole?
Drawing: Answer: ______________________

3. Two sides of a triangle are 30 meters and 48 meters, respectively. What is the measure of
the third side of the triangle if the given sides meet at an angle of 72 30’?
Drawing: Answer: ______________________

4. A motorist cruising south along a highway is 16 km from the nearest town. After traveling
distance of 32 km, he finds that he is 19 km away from the same town. Find the bearing of
the town from the second position of the motorist.
Drawing: Answer: ______________________

5. A 32–ft ladder makes an angle of 61 with the horizontal when it reaches a given spot on a
wall. What angle will a 37–ft ladder make with the horizontal if it reaches the same spot?
Drawing: Answer: ______________________

6. In triangle CED, c = 15, d = 13 and angle C = 35.

Drawing: Answer: ______________________

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 TRIGONOMETRY Solutions of Oblique Triangles

7. If M = 67 38’, N = 55 25’ and side k = 45 ft, solve KMN.

Drawing: Answer: ______________________

8. A triangular lot has sides 125 m, 155 m and 105 m.

Drawing: Answer: ______________________

9. Solve SFC if f = 12 cm, c = 18 cm and S = 120 11’ 15”.

Drawing: Answer: ______________________

10. If P = 111, R = 23 in and r = 32 in, find the unknown parts of PQR.
Drawing: Answer: ______________________

SOLVE ME… Give what is asked in each problem by showing your solutions.
1. The diagonals of parallelogram ABCD measure 10 cm (AC) and 12 cm (BD), and the angle that
they form in the center is 48° 15'. Calculate the length of the sides AD and AB.

2. A building is 30 meters high and is on top of a hill. The angles of elevation of the top and bottom
of the building from a point at the foot of the hill are 64⁰ and 58⁰, respectively. How high is the hill?

TRIGONOMETRY Solutions of Oblique Triangles

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3. You are driving on a straight road from east to the west at speed of 72km/h. At a given time, you
find the bearing of a traffic light on the other parallel road is N 71° W, and one minute later the
bearing is N 60° W(see figure below). What is the distance of the two roads?

4. Suppose a boat leaves port, travels 10 miles, turns 20 degrees, and travels another 8 miles as
shown in Figure 1. How far from port is the boat?

5. On many cell phones with GPS, an approximate location can be given before the GPS signal is
received. This is accomplished through a process called triangulation, which works by using the
distances from two known points. Suppose there are two cell phone towers within range of a cell
phone. The two towers are located 6000 feet apart along a straight highway, running east to west,
and the cell phone is north of the highway. Based on the signal delay, it can be determined that
the signal is 5050 feet from the first tower and 2420 feet from the second tower. Determine the
position of the cell phone north and east of the first tower, and determine how far it is from the
highway

TEST III. Choose the correct answer by writing the letter of your choice on the blank
_____1. Given ABC where B = 28ᵒ 42’, C = 84ᵒ 27’ and b = 10.76 feet, what is the measure of
angle A?
a. 66ᵒ 51’ c. 113ᵒ 9’
b. 76ᵒ 51 d. 115ᵒ
_____2. Refer to problem #3, what is the length of side a?
a. 20.60 feet c. 24.5 feet
b.TRIGONOMETRY
22.30 feet d. 27.8 feet
Solutions of Oblique Triangles

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_____3. Refer to problem #2, which of the following is the measure of side c?
a. 20.58 feet c. 24.5 feet
b. 22.30 feet d. 27.8 feet
_____4. Which of the following is INCORRECT?
a. sin C = c sin A c. sin B = b sin A
a c
b. a = b sin A d. a = c sin A
sin B sin C
_____5. Two sides of a parallelogram are 68 meters and 83 meters, respectively. The diagonals
are 42 meters in length. In finding the angles of the parallelogram, which of the following is
the CORRECT figure of the given problem?
a. c.

b. d.

_____6. Refer to #5, what is the measure of the smallest angle of the triangle?
a. 30 16’ 12” c. 84 58’ 6”
b. 54 41’ 55” d. 95 1’ 55”
_____7. If in triangle EMN, sin E = 0.93969, EN = 9 cm and MN = 10 cm, what is the measure of
the largest angle of the given triangle?
a. 180 c. 58
b. 70 d. 52
_____8. Refer to #7, how long is the third side of the triangle?
a. 8.39 cm c. 9.29 cm
b. 9.02 cm d. 10.76 cm
_____9. A house and a school are 250 km and 600 km from a church, respectively. The house
and the school are connected by a straight road such that the road between the house and
the school makes an angle of 35ᵒ 30’ with road that connects the house and church. What
is the measure of C?
a. 54⁰ 30’ c. 75⁰ 59’ 51.99”
b. 14⁰ 8.01” d. 130⁰ 29’ 51.99”
_____10. Refer to #9, how far is the school from the house?
a. 786 km c. 250 km
b. 458 km d. 1 885 km

a.

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 TRIGONOMETRY Solutions of Oblique Triangles

WEB LINK

https://smackslide.com/slide/law-of-sines-solving-oblique-triangles-ockc1x/read
https://www.superprof.co.uk/resources/academic/maths/trigonometry/oblique-triangle-word-
problems.html#chapter_exercise-2
https://www.themathdoctors.org/oblique-triangles-in-applications/
https://www.houstonisd.org/cms/lib2/TX01001591/Centricity/Domain/21026/PreCalc_Unit_6_Soln.pdf
https://braingenie.ck12.org/skills/106263
https://www.sparknotes.com/math/trigonometry/solvingobliquetriangles/section1/
https://slideplayer.com/slide/4613060/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvI5EaOceWs
http://cabilanmathonline.com/mpm2d1/chapter6/chapter6_6_part2/
https://www.shelovesmath.com/trigonometry/law-sines-cosines/
http://ww.mathgotserved.com/application-of-law-of-sines-and-cosines-pt-i.html
http://williamwithin.com/worksheet/law-of-sines-and-cosines-word-problems-worksheet-kuta.html
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/precalctwo/chapter/non-right-triangles-law-of-cosines/
https://sites.google.com/a/scienceleadership.org/law-of-sines-and-cosines/law-of-sine/kbjkbkjb
https://www.shelovesmath.com/trigonometry/law-sines-cosines/
https://www.shelovesmath.com/trigonometry/right-triangle-trigonometry/

ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY-ILAGAN CAMPUS Page 14

COLLEGE of EDUCATION
CITY of ILAGAN ISABELA 3300 PHILIPPINES
 Proving Trigonometric
TRIGONOMETRY Identities

OVERVIEW:
In previous math classes, you learned some basic algebraic properties such as the Distributive
Property and the Associative Property that enabled you to simplify algebraic expressions and solve
equations.
Well, 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.
In this lesson we will learn how to formulate and write the Fundamental Trig Identities such as
Basic Identities, Reciprocal Identities, Quotient (Ratio) Identities, Pythagorean Identities. From there, we
will then discover how to use these Fundamental Identities to simplify or rewrite trigonometric
expressions to get an equivalent expression or identity and to prove trigonometric identities.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Define trigonometric identity;

2. Formulate and write the fundamental trigonometric identities;
3. Identify and perform the steps in proving trigonometric identities;
4. Prove trigonometric identities;
5. Appreciate the importance and application of trigonometric identities in real-life situations.

LEARNING CONTENT:
IMPORTANCE and APPLICATION of TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITIES
Trigonometric Identities are found heavily in architecture and engineering, especially when
developing large infrastructure. The six different identities are used to find either the length of one or
more sides of a shape, or the angle at which different materials should be placed at. It is common to
find them when constructing blueprints for actual structures. Trigonometric identities like finding the
sine of an angle will help when determining how much of a certain material is needed to use in order
to construct the building. Some of the more popular types of engineering where trigonometric
identities are used are civil, mechanical and electrical engineering. They are used when analyzing
alternating and direct currents. The shape of the curves that are alternating and direct curves form
correspond to that of the trigonometric identities curves. The reason that trigonometric identities are
so important to architecture and engineering is that it helps you be as accurate as possible when
determining the sizes and proportions. This lets you know how much space you have to build, as well
as what is the most efficient way of building something so that you maximize space, while minimizing
cost.

REMEMBER…
Proving Trigonometric Identities is a lot like solving a puzzle. You are given the answer, just
like you are given the picture of what your finished product should look like, and all you have to do is
get there! What if I don’t like puzzles? Is this going to be hard?
Proving, or verifying, trigonometric identities can be tricky at times, but I assure you that
with practice, perseverance, and some ingenuity, you’ll learn to love them. Besides, there are some
awesome tricks and steps to help you become a trig identity ninja!
Proving an identity is very different in concept from solving an equation. Though you'll use
many of the same techniques, they are not the same, and the differences are what can cause you
problems.
Don't expect always, or even usually, to be able to "see" the solution when you start. Be
willing to try different things. If one attempt isn't working, try a different approach. Identities usually
work out, if you give yourself enough time.

ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY-ILAGAN CAMPUS Page 15

COLLEGE of EDUCATION
CITY of ILAGAN ISABELA 3300 PHILIPPINES
 Proving Trigonometric
TRIGONOMETRY Identities

DEFINITION of TERMS:
An "identity" is a tautology, an equation or statement that is always true, no matter what. To
"prove" an identity, you have to use logical steps to show that one side of the equation can be
transformed into the other side of the equation. You do not plug values into the identity to "prove"
anything. There are infinitely-many values you can plug in.
Trigonometric Identity is an equation involving trigonometric functions that is true for all
values of the independent variable for which the functions are defined.

HOW to PROVE TRIGNOMETRIC IDENTITIES?

To prove an identity, some may have told you that you cannot work on both sides of the
equation at the same time. This is correct. You can work on both sides together for a regular
equation, because you're trying to find where the equation is true. When you are working with an
identity, if you work on both sides and work down to where the sides are equal, you will only have
shown that, if the starting equation is true, then you can arrive at another true equation. But you won't
have proved, logically, that the original equation was actually true.
Below are the steps that can guide you in proving trigonometric identities.
1. Work on one side of an equation until it matches the other side (Hint: always pick the
harder or more complex side.)
2. Replace the part of the function with a known identity. (If possible, express each
function in terms of sine or cosine. You can also use tangent if it is necessary).
Change everything in basic identities.
3. Simplify using the multiplication or factoring method.
4. Find common denominators if it is needed.
5. Conjugate, if necessary.

FUNDAMENTAL TRIGONOMETRIC IDENTITIES/RELATIONS:

RECIPROCAL IDENTITIES/RELATIONS
1. sin  = 1 2. cos  = 1 3. tan  = 1
csc  sec  cot 
csc  = 1 sec  = 1 cot  = 1
sin  cos  tan 

RATIO IDENTITIES/RELATIONS
1. tan  = sin  2. cot  = cos 
cos  sin 
PYTHAGOREAN IDENTITIES/RELATIONS
1. sin2  + cos2  = 1 sin2  = 1 – cos2  cos2  = 1 – sin2 

Using sin2  + cos2  = 1, we can have the 2nd identity

sin2  + cos2  = 1 1 + cos2 
2 2
sin  sin  sin2 

2. tan2  + 1 = sec2  tan2  = sec2 – 1 sec2  – tan2  = 1

Using sin2  + cos2  = 1, we can have the 3rd identity
sin2  + cos2  = 1 sin2  + 1
cos2  cos2  cos2 
3. 1 + cot2  = csc2  cot2  = csc2  – 1 csc2  – cot2  = 1

ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY-ILAGAN CAMPUS Page 16

COLLEGE of EDUCATION
CITY of ILAGAN ISABELA 3300 PHILIPPINES
 Proving Trigonometric
TRIGONOMETRY Identities

LET’S DO THESE…
Prove each of the following:
1. cos x + sin x tan x = sec x
cos x + sin x sin x = sec x Ratio Relation
cos x
cos x + sin2 x = sec x Multiplication
cos x
cos2 x + sin2 x = sec x Addition
cos x
1 = sec x Pythagorean Relation
cos x
sec x = sec x Reciprocal Relation

2. sec  + csc  = csc  (tan  + 1)

sec  + csc  = csc  sin  + 1 Ratio Identity
cos 
sec  + csc  = 1 sin  + 1 Reciprocal Identity
sin  cos  (
sec  + csc  = 1 + 1 Multiplication
cos  sin 
sec  + csc  = sec  + csc  Reciprocal Identity

3. cos 4 E + cos2 E sin2 E = cot2 E sin2 E

cos2 E(cos 2 E + sin2 E) = cot2 E sin2 E Factoring
cos2 E(1) = cot2 E sin2 E Pythagorean Identity
cos2 E = cos2 E sin2 E Ratio Identity
sin2 E
cos2 E = cos2 E Multiplication

4. 2 cos2 x – 1 = cot x – tan x

cot x + tan x
2 cos2 x – 1 = cos x – sin x Ratio
sin x cos x
cos x + sin x
sin x cos x
2 cos2 x – 1 = cos2 x – sin2 x Addition
sinx cos x
cos2 x + sin2 x
sinx cos x
2 cos2 x – 1 = cos2 x – sin2 x Pythagorean Identity
sin x cos x
1
sin x cos x
2 cos2 x – 1 = cos2 x – sin2 x sin x cos x Division
sin x cos x 1
2 cos2 x – 1 = cos2 x – sin2 x Multiplication
2 cos2 x – 1 = cos2 x – (1 – cos2x) Pythagorean Identity
2 cos2 x – 1 = = cos2 x – 1 + cos2 x Removal of Grouping System
2 cos2 x – 1 = 2 cos2 x – 1 Addition

ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY-ILAGAN CAMPUS Page 17

COLLEGE of EDUCATION
CITY of ILAGAN ISABELA 3300 PHILIPPINES
 Proving Trigonometric
TRIGONOMETRY Identities

LET’S DO THESE…
Prove each of the following:
5. sin2 θ sec2 θ + sin2 θ csc2 θ = sec2 θ
sin2 θ sec2 θ + sin2 θ csc2 θ = sec2 θ
sin2 θ 1 + sin2 θ 1 = sec2 θ Reciprocal Relations
cos  θ +
2
sin2 θ

sin2 θ + sin2 θ = sec2 θ  Multiplication

cos2 θ sin2 θ
tan2 θ + 1 = sec2 θ Ratio Relations
sec2 θ = sec2 θ Pythagorean Relations
TRY THESE…
1. sec x = tan x 3. 1 + 1 = 2 csc2 A
csc x 1 – cos A 1 + cos A

2. sin  (cot  + cos  tan ) = cos  + sin2 4. tan  + sec  = cos 

1 – sin 

To summarize, when verifying a trigonometric identity, use the following tips:

1. Work on one side of the identity- usually the more complicated looking side.
2. Try rewriting all given expressions in terms of sine and cosine.
3. If there are fractions involved, combine them.
4. After combining fractions, if the resulting fraction can be reduced, reduce it.
5. The goal is to make one side look exactly like the other—so as you change one side of the
identity, look at the other side for a potential hint to what to do next. If you are stumped, work
with the other side. Don’t limit yourself to working only on the left side, a problem might
require you to work on the right.

https://www.purplemath.com/modules/proving.htm#:
https://www.slideshare.net/krillion/proving-trigonometric-identities
https://calcworkshop.com/trig-identities/fundamental-trigonometric-identities/

ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY-ILAGAN CAMPUS Page 18

COLLEGE of EDUCATION
CITY of ILAGAN ISABELA 3300 PHILIPPINES
https://calcworkshop.com/trig-identities/sum-and-difference-identities/
https://sites.google.com/a/scienceleadership.org/trig_identities/home/real-world-applications
https://prezi.com/vvsb1nqexnzd/trigonometric-identities-in-the-real-world/
https://www.ck12.org/book/ck-12-trigonometry-second-edition/section/3.2/
https://www.texasgateway.org/binder/chapter-6-trigonometric-identities-and-applications

ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY-ILAGAN CAMPUS Page 19

COLLEGE of EDUCATION
CITY of ILAGAN ISABELA 3300 PHILIPPINES