5.1-5.3: Trigonometric Identities & Solving Trigonometric Equations
Guidelines for Simplifying Trig Identities
1) Look to factor, add fractions, square a binomial or create a common denominator 2) Use fundamental identities. 3) If this doesn't work, try converting all terms to sines & cosines.
Solving Equations Involving Multiple Angles
1) Solve the equation for kx 2) Divide the result by k 3) Remember that most trig equations have more than one answer
How to Solve a Trig Equation
1) Use standard algebraic techniques such as collecting like terms and factoring 2) Isolate the trig function on one side of the equation. 3) Use inverse functions to get the variable by itself 4) Remember that most trig equations have more than one answer