Pearson Algebra 2 Common Core, 2011
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Pearson Algebra 2 Common Core, 2011 View details
6. Angle Identities
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Exercise 14 Page 949

Use the definitions of the trigonometric ratios for a right triangle.

sec A

Practice makes perfect

We are given a trigonometric expression. csc (90^(∘) - A) We will consider that A is an acute angle of a right triangle. The acute angles of a right triangle are complementary, which means that their sum is 90 ^(∘). A+ B = 90^(∘)We can rewrite this sum as a difference that will allow us to rewrite the given expression. 90^(∘)- A= B ⇓ csc (90^(∘) - A ) = csc B We want to derive a cofunction identity for the given expression. To do so, we will start by drawing a right triangle ABC.

Now, let's recall the trigonometric ratios for cosecant and for secant. csc θ=Hypotenuse/Opposite sec θ=Hypotenuse/Adjacent Since we have csc B, we need the length of the hypotenuse and the length of the opposite side to ∠ B. From the diagram, we can see that b is the opposite side to B and c is the hypotenuse. We will substitute these values into the expression for cosecant ratio. csc B = Hypotenuse/Opposite=c/b We can rewrite this equation using secant by noting that c is the length of the hypotenuse and b is the length of the adjacent side angle to A. Then, we will have the quotient between the hypotenuse and the adjacent side to ∠ A.

Finally, we can write the cofunction identity for the given expression. csc (90^(∘) - A) = sec A