Skip to main content
Ch. 5 - Trigonometric Identities
Lial - Trigonometry 12th Edition
Lial12th EditionTrigonometryISBN: 9780136552161Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksLial 12th EditionCh. 5 - Trigonometric IdentitiesProblem 5.1.80
Chapter 6, Problem 5.1.80

Let csc x = -3. Find all possible values of (sin x + cos x)/sec x.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Start by recalling the given information: \( \csc x = -3 \). Since \( \csc x = \frac{1}{\sin x} \), use this to find \( \sin x \) by taking the reciprocal, so \( \sin x = \frac{1}{\csc x} \).
Next, find \( \cos x \) using the Pythagorean identity: \( \sin^2 x + \cos^2 x = 1 \). Substitute the value of \( \sin x \) you found and solve for \( \cos x \). Remember that \( \cos x \) can be positive or negative depending on the quadrant where \( x \) lies.
Determine the possible quadrants for \( x \) based on the sign of \( \csc x = -3 \). Since \( \csc x \) is negative, \( \sin x \) is negative, which restricts \( x \) to quadrants III and IV. Use this to decide the sign of \( \cos x \) in each quadrant.
Recall that \( \sec x = \frac{1}{\cos x} \). Use this to rewrite the expression \( \frac{\sin x + \cos x}{\sec x} \) as \( (\sin x + \cos x) \times \cos x \).
Substitute the values of \( \sin x \) and \( \cos x \) into the expression \( (\sin x + \cos x) \times \cos x \) and simplify. Consider both possible signs of \( \cos x \) to find all possible values.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Reciprocal Trigonometric Functions

Reciprocal functions relate pairs like sine and cosecant, cosine and secant. For example, csc x = 1/sin x and sec x = 1/cos x. Knowing these relationships helps convert given values into more usable forms for solving equations.
Recommended video:
6:04
Introduction to Trigonometric Functions

Pythagorean Identity

The Pythagorean identity states that sin²x + cos²x = 1. This fundamental relation allows finding one trigonometric value when the other is known, essential for determining cos x when sin x is given or vice versa.
Recommended video:
6:25
Pythagorean Identities

Simplifying Trigonometric Expressions

Simplifying expressions like (sin x + cos x)/sec x involves rewriting sec x as 1/cos x and then manipulating the expression algebraically. This process often reduces complex fractions to simpler forms, making it easier to substitute known values and solve.
Recommended video:
6:36
Simplifying Trig Expressions
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Each expression simplifies to a constant, a single function, or a power of a function. Use fundamental identities to simplify each expression.

1/ tan² α + cot α tan α

1
views
Textbook Question

Find sin θ.

cos θ = 5/6, θ in quadrant I

1
views
Textbook Question

Verify that each equation is an identity.

(sin⁴ α - cos⁴ α )/(sin² α - cos² α) = 1

Textbook Question

Identify the basic trigonometric function graphed, and determine whether it is even or odd.


<IMAGE>

Textbook Question

Verify that each equation is an identity.

1/(sec α - tan α) = sec α + tan α

2
views
Textbook Question

Simplify each expression.

± √[(1 + cos (x/4))/2]