Why is sin(x) = 1 - cos(x) not an identity?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking why the equation sin(x) = 1 - cos(x) is not considered a trigonometric identity. To determine this, we can analyze both sides of the equation and compare their values for different angles.
Answer
The equation $sin(x) = 1 - cos(x)$ is not an identity because it fails for some angles, such as $x = \pi$.
Answer for screen readers
The equation $sin(x) = 1 - cos(x)$ is not a trigonometric identity because it does not hold true for all angles $x$.
Steps to Solve
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Evaluate Both Sides of the Equation
Start by examining values for $x$ and calculating both sides of the equation $sin(x) = 1 - cos(x)$ to see if they are equal. -
Test Specific Angles
Choose specific values for $x$, like $0$, $\frac{\pi}{2}$, and $\pi$, and evaluate both sides.
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For $x = 0$:
- Left side: $sin(0) = 0$
- Right side: $1 - cos(0) = 1 - 1 = 0$ (both sides are equal)
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For $x = \frac{\pi}{2}$:
- Left side: $sin\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right) = 1$
- Right side: $1 - cos\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right) = 1 - 0 = 1$ (both sides are equal)
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For $x = \pi$:
- Left side: $sin(\pi) = 0$
- Right side: $1 - cos(\pi) = 1 - (-1) = 2$ (both sides are not equal)
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Check General Cases
Investigate more angle values generally to see if both sides hold for all angles. Notice that they do not equal for all values, especially when $x$ is not among those tested. -
Conclusion on Non-Identity
Since there are angles where the left side does not equal the right side, $sin(x) = 1 - cos(x)$ cannot be a trigonometric identity. An identity must hold true for all values of $x$.
The equation $sin(x) = 1 - cos(x)$ is not a trigonometric identity because it does not hold true for all angles $x$.
More Information
A trigonometric identity must be valid for all values in its domain. In this case, since we found specific angles (like $\pi$) for which the equation fails, it does not satisfy this requirement.
Tips
- Assuming the equation is an identity without testing enough angles. Always check multiple angles, especially beyond trivial cases like $0$ and $\frac{\pi}{2}$.
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