Solve the given trigonometry problem

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving the equation x^2 = (1+sinθ)^2/(cos^2θ) = (1+sinθ)^2/(1-sin^2θ) = (1+sinθ)/(1-sinθ). It is suggested that another approach to solving this problem could be to use the equation x(1/x) = 1 and compare it to the trigonometric identity sec^2θ - tan^2θ = 1. Another variation is proposed, using the equation x = secθ + tanθ and showing that x(secθ - tanθ) = sec^2θ - tan^2θ = 1. Finally, it is suggested that the
  • #1
chwala
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Homework Statement
If ##x=\sec θ + \tan θ##, then show that ##\dfrac {1}{x}=\sec θ - \tan θ##
Relevant Equations
Trigonometry
My take;

##x^2=\dfrac{(1+\sin θ)^2}{cos^2θ}=\dfrac{(1+\sin θ)^2}{1-\sin ^2θ}=\dfrac{1+\sin θ}{1-\sin θ}##

we know that, ##x=\dfrac{1+\sin θ}{\cos θ}##

##⇒1+\sin θ=x\cos θ##

therefore,

##x^2=\dfrac{x\cos θ}{1-\sin θ}##

##\dfrac{x}{x^2}=\dfrac{1-\sin θ}{\cos θ}##

##\dfrac{1}{x}=\dfrac{1}{\cos θ}-\dfrac{\sin θ}{\cos θ}=\sec θ-\tan θ##

there may be another approach to this problem. Your input highly appreciated...
 
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  • #2
How about ##x{1\over x} = 1## and comparing that with ##\sec^2 \theta -\tan^2 \theta = 1 ## ?

##\ ##
 
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  • #3
BvU said:
How about ##x{1\over x} = 1## and comparing that with ##\sec^2 \theta -\tan^2 \theta = 1 ## ?

##\ ##
That is fine, comparing may mean eliminating ##x## from the equation and end up showing that the lhs=rhs in reference to the trig. identities; but that is not what we want. We need ##x## to be part of the problem.
 
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  • #4
But it is ! If you need it spelled out:$$(\sec + \tan)(\sec-\tan) = x(\sec-tan)=1 \ \& \ x{1\over x}=1 \Rightarrow (\sec-\tan)={1\over x}\\ $$
 
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  • #5
Ok @BvU ....I will check. Thanks mate.
 
  • #6
chwala said:
Ok @BvU ....I will check. Thanks mate.
Or ...
A variation, inspired by @BvU :

##\displaystyle x= \sec\theta + \tan\theta##

##\displaystyle x(\sec\theta - \tan\theta)= (\sec\theta + \tan\theta)(\sec\theta - \tan\theta) ##

##\displaystyle \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad =\sec^2\theta - \tan^2\theta ##

##\displaystyle \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad = 1##

Thus: ##\displaystyle \quad \sec\theta - \tan\theta = \dfrac 1 x ##
 
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  • #7
Thanks answer :cool:
use for my ticher
 
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  • #8
or $$ (\sec \theta + \tan \theta)(\sec \theta - \tan \theta) = \sec^2 \theta - \tan^2 \theta = 1 \implies \sec \theta - \tan \theta = \frac{1}{\sec \theta + \tan \theta} $$
 
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