Prove the reciprocal identities given in formula (2).

Short Answer

Expert verified

By using the trigonometry ratios in right angled triangle, we proved the following reciprocal identities :-

(a) cscθ=1sinθ

(b) secθ=1cosθ

(c) cotθ=1tanθ

Step by step solution

01

Step 1. Given Information

Here we have to prove the following reciprocal identities :-

(a) cscθ=1sinθ

(b) secθ=1cosθ

(c) cotθ=1tanθ

We will apply trigonometry ratios, to prove these reciprocal identities.

02

Step 2. To prove identity (a) cscθ=1sinθ.

Consider the following right angled triangle.

For this right angled triangle, sine function is defined as perpendicular upon hypotenuse.

That is :-

sinθ=ABAC .......(1)

and cosecant function is defined as hypotenuse upon perpendicular.

That is :-

cscθ=ACAB ..........(2)

From (1), we have :-

sinθ=ABAC

Take reciprocals on both sides, then we have :-

1sinθ=ACAB

By comparing (2)and(3), we have :-

The right hand sides of both equations are equal, so left hand sides are also equal. This gives us :-

cscθ=1sinθ

Hence proved.

03

Step 3. To prove identity (b) secθ=1cosθ

Consider the following right angled triangle.

For this right angled triangle, cosine function is defined as base upon hypotenuse.

That is :-

cosθ=BCAC..........(4)

and secant function is defined as hypotenuse upon base.

That is :-

secθ=ACBC..........(5)

From (4), we have :-

cosθ=BCAC

Take reciprocals on both sides, then we have :-

1cosθ=ACBC.........(6)

By comparing (5)and(6), we have :-

The right hand sides of both equations are equal, so left hand sides are also equal. This gives us :-

secθ=1cosθ

Hence proved.

04

Step 4. To prove identity (c) cotθ=1tanθ

Consider the following right angled triangle.

For this right angled triangle, tangent function is defined as perpendicular upon base.

That is :-

tanθ=ABBC........(7)

and cotangent function is defined as base upon perpendicular.

That is :-

cotθ=BCAB .........(8)

From (7), we have :-

tanθ=ABBC

Take reciprocals on both sides, then we have :-

1tanθ=BCAB.........(9)

By comparing (8)and(9), we have :-

The right hand sides of both equations are equal, so left hand sides are also equal. This gives us :-

cotθ=1tanθ

Hence proved.

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