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Question

What is \(\frac{{\cos \theta }}{{1 + \sin \theta }} + \frac{1}{{\cot \theta }}\) equal to?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2020 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (02-Feb-2020)
The correct answer is

sec θ

Simplifying Trigonometric Expressions

Let's simplify the given trigonometric expression step-by-step. The expression we need to simplify is:

\(\frac{{\cos \theta }}{{1 + \sin \theta }} + \frac{1}{{\cot \theta }}\)

First, recall the reciprocal identity for cotangent:

\(\frac{1}{{\cot \theta }} = \tan \theta\)

So, we can rewrite the expression as:

\(\frac{{\cos \theta }}{{1 + \sin \theta }} + \tan \theta\)

Next, express \(\tan \theta\) in terms of sine and cosine using the identity \(\tan \theta = \frac{{\sin \theta }}{{\cos \theta }}\):

\(\frac{{\cos \theta }}{{1 + \sin \theta }} + \frac{{\sin \theta }}{{\cos \theta }}\)

Now, we need to combine these two fractions by finding a common denominator. The common denominator is \((1 + \sin \theta)(\cos \theta)\). We cross-multiply the numerators with the denominators of the opposite fractions:

  • Multiply the numerator of the first fraction (\(\cos \theta\)) by the denominator of the second fraction (\(\cos \theta\)).
  • Multiply the numerator of the second fraction (\(\sin \theta\)) by the denominator of the first fraction (\(1 + \sin \theta\)).

This gives us the combined fraction:

\(\frac{{\cos \theta \cdot \cos \theta + \sin \theta \cdot (1 + \sin \theta)}}{{(1 + \sin \theta)(\cos \theta)}}\)

Simplify the numerator:

\(\frac{{\cos^2 \theta + \sin \theta + \sin^2 \theta}}{{(1 + \sin \theta)(\cos \theta)}}\)

Recall the fundamental trigonometric identity: \(\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1\). We can substitute this into the numerator:

\(\frac{{(\cos^2 \theta + \sin^2 \theta) + \sin \theta}}{{(1 + \sin \theta)(\cos \theta)}}\)

\(\frac{{1 + \sin \theta}}{{(1 + \sin \theta)(\cos \theta)}}\)

Assuming that \(1 + \sin \theta \neq 0\), we can cancel the term \((1 + \sin \theta)\) from both the numerator and the denominator:

\(\frac{{\cancel{{1 + \sin \theta}}}}{{\cancel{{(1 + \sin \theta)}} (\cos \theta)}}\)

This simplifies to:

\(\frac{1}{{\cos \theta}}\)

Finally, recall the reciprocal identity for cosine:

\(\frac{1}{{\cos \theta}} = \sec \theta\)

So, the simplified form of the expression \(\frac{{\cos \theta }}{{1 + \sin \theta }} + \frac{1}{{\cot \theta }}\) is \(\sec \theta\).

Let's check the options provided:

  1. cosec \(\theta\)
  2. sec \(\theta\)
  3. sec \(\theta\) + cosec \(\theta\)
  4. cosec \(\theta\) – cot \(\theta\)

Our simplified expression \(\sec \theta\) matches option 2.

Step Expression Reason
1 \(\frac{{\cos \theta }}{{1 + \sin \theta }} + \frac{1}{{\cot \theta }}\) Original expression
2 \(\frac{{\cos \theta }}{{1 + \sin \theta }} + \tan \theta\) Using \(\frac{1}{{\cot \theta }} = \tan \theta\)
3 \(\frac{{\cos \theta }}{{1 + \sin \theta }} + \frac{{\sin \theta }}{{\cos \theta }}\) Using \(\tan \theta = \frac{{\sin \theta }}{{\cos \theta }}\)
4 \(\frac{{\cos^2 \theta + \sin \theta (1 + \sin \theta)}}{{(1 + \sin \theta)(\cos \theta)}}\) Combining fractions with common denominator
5 \(\frac{{\cos^2 \theta + \sin \theta + \sin^2 \theta}}{{(1 + \sin \theta)(\cos \theta)}}\) Expanding numerator
6 \(\frac{{1 + \sin \theta}}{{(1 + \sin \theta)(\cos \theta)}}\) Using \(\cos^2 \theta + \sin^2 \theta = 1\)
7 \(\frac{1}{{\cos \theta}}\) Canceling \((1 + \sin \theta)\) (assuming \(1 + \sin \theta \neq 0\))
8 \(\sec \theta\) Using \(\frac{1}{{\cos \theta}} = \sec \theta\)

Revision Table: Key Trigonometric Identities

Identity Type Identity
Reciprocal Identity \(\cot \theta = \frac{1}{{\tan \theta}}\)
Reciprocal Identity \(\sec \theta = \frac{1}{{\cos \theta}}\)
Ratio Identity \(\tan \theta = \frac{{\sin \theta }}{{\cos \theta }}\)
Pythagorean Identity \(\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1\)

Additional Information on Trigonometric Simplification

Simplifying trigonometric expressions is a fundamental skill in trigonometry. It often involves using identities to rewrite expressions in a simpler or more standard form. Here are some tips for simplifying trigonometric expressions:

  • Convert to Sine and Cosine: Often, converting all terms to sine and cosine makes it easier to find common denominators and apply identities.
  • Use Pythagorean Identities: Identities like \(\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1\), \(1 + \tan^2 \theta = \sec^2 \theta\), and \(1 + \cot^2 \theta = \csc^2 \theta\) are very useful for substitution.
  • Factor Expressions: Look for opportunities to factor out common terms or use algebraic identities (like difference of squares).
  • Find Common Denominators: When adding or subtracting fractions, combine them over a common denominator.
  • Recognize Patterns: Become familiar with common trigonometric identities and look for them within the expression.
  • Work on One Side: If simplifying to match another expression or value, work on only one side of the equation until it matches the other.

Practice is key to mastering trigonometric simplification.

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Important Questions from Trigonometric Identities

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