Explanations 
Flashcards 
StudySmarter IA 
Notes 
Study Plans 
Study Sets 
Exams 
Magazine 
Find a job 
Mobile App 
Jump to a key chapter
Sum and Difference of Angles Trigonometric Identities
When you study trigonometric functions, understanding the sum and difference of angles trigonometric identities is essential. These identities help you simplify and solve complex trigonometric expressions by breaking them into more manageable parts.
Sum of Angles Identities
The sum of angles identities involves adding two angles together within the trigonometric functions sine, cosine, and tangent. Here are the main identities you should know:
- Sine: \(\sin(A+B) = \sin A \cos B + \cos A \sin B\)
- Cosine: \(\cos(A+B) = \cos A \cos B - \sin A \sin B\)
- Tangent: \(\tan(A+B) = \frac{\tan A + \tan B}{1 - \tan A \tan B}\)
Let's say you need to determine the value of \(\sin(30°+45°)\). By using the sum identity for sine, you get: \[\sin(30°+45°) = \sin 30° \cos 45° + \cos 30° \sin 45°\]Using the known values: \[\sin 30° = \frac{1}{2}, \cos 45° = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}, \cos 30° = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, \sin 45° = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\]Plugging these in: \[\sin(30°+45°) = \frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{4} + \frac{\sqrt{6}}{4} = \frac{\sqrt{2} + \sqrt{6}}{4}\]
Memorising these identities can make solving trigonometric problems much quicker!
Difference of Angles Identities
The difference of angles identities involve subtracting one angle from another. These identities also cover sine, cosine, and tangent. Here are the crucial identities:
- Sine: \( \sin(A-B) = \sin A \cos B - \cos A \sin B \)
- Cosine: \( \cos(A-B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B \)
- Tangent: \( \tan(A-B) = \frac{\tan A - \tan B}{1 + \tan A \tan B} \)
Suppose you need to find the value of \( \cos(60° - 30°) \). Employing the difference identity for cosine, you get: \[\cos(60° - 30°) = \cos 60° \cos 30° + \sin 60° \sin 30°\]Using known values: \[\cos 60° = \frac{1}{2}, \cos 30° = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, \sin 60° = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, \sin 30° = \frac{1}{2}\]Plugging these in: \[\cos(60° - 30°) = \frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \cdot \frac{1}{2} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{4} + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{4} = \frac{2\sqrt{3}}{4} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\]
If you dig deeper into the trigonometric identities, you'll realise they are derived from the unit circle and Euler's formula. Euler’s formula, \( e^{ix} = \cos x + i\sin x \), forms a deep foundation in trigonometry, linking it elegantly to complex numbers and exponential functions.
Sum and Difference of Angles Trigonometric Identities
When you study trigonometric functions, understanding the sum and difference of angles trigonometric identities is essential. These identities help you simplify and solve complex trigonometric expressions by breaking them into more manageable parts.
Sum of Angles Identities
The sum of angles identities involves adding two angles together within the trigonometric functions sine, cosine, and tangent. Here are the main identities you should know:
- Sine: \(\sin(A + B) = \sin A \cos B + \cos A \sin B\)
- Cosine: \(\cos(A + B) = \cos A \cos B - \sin A \sin B\)
- Tangent: \(\tan(A + B) = \frac{\tan A + \tan B}{1 - \tan A \tan B}\)
Let's say you need to determine the value of \(\sin(30° + 45°)\). By using the sum identity for sine, you get: \[\sin(30° + 45°) = \sin 30° \cos 45° + \cos 30° \sin 45°\]Using the known values: \[\sin 30° = \frac{1}{2}, \cos 45° = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}, \cos 30° = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, \sin 45° = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\]Plugging these in: \[\sin(30° + 45°) = \frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{4} + \frac{\sqrt{6}}{4} = \frac{\sqrt{2} + \sqrt{6}}{4}\]
Memorising these identities can make solving trigonometric problems much quicker!
Difference of Angles Identities
The difference of angles identities involve subtracting one angle from another. These identities also cover sine, cosine, and tangent. Here are the crucial identities:
- Sine: \(\sin(A - B) = \sin A \cos B - \cos A \sin B\)
- Cosine: \(\cos(A - B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B\)
- Tangent: \(\tan(A - B) = \frac{\tan A - \tan B}{1 + \tan A \tan B}\)
Suppose you need to find the value of \(\cos(60° - 30°)\). Employing the difference identity for cosine, you get: \[\cos(60° - 30°) = \cos 60° \cos 30° + \sin 60° \sin 30°\]Using known values: \[\cos 60° = \frac{1}{2}, \cos 30° = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, \sin 60° = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, \sin 30° = \frac{1}{2}\]Plugging these in: \[\cos(60° - 30°) = \frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \cdot \frac{1}{2} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{4} + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{4} = \frac{2\sqrt{3}}{4} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\]
If you dig deeper into the trigonometric identities, you'll realise they are derived from the unit circle and Euler's formula. Euler’s formula, \( e^{ix} = \cos x + i\sin x \), forms a deep foundation in trigonometry, linking it elegantly to complex numbers and exponential functions.
Sum and Difference of Angles Trigonometric Identities
When you study trigonometric functions, understanding the sum and difference of angles trigonometric identities is essential. These identities help you simplify and solve complex trigonometric expressions by breaking them into more manageable parts.
Sum of Angles Identities
The sum of angles identities involves adding two angles together within the trigonometric functions sine, cosine, and tangent. Here are the main identities you should know:
- Sine: \(\sin(A + B) = \sin A \cos B + \cos A \sin B\)
- Cosine: \(\cos(A + B) = \cos A \cos B - \sin A \sin B\)
- Tangent: \(\tan(A + B) = \frac{\tan A + \tan B}{1 - \tan A \tan B}\)
Let's say you need to determine the value of \(\sin(30° + 45°)\). By using the sum identity for sine, you get: \[\sin(30° + 45°) = \sin 30° \cos 45° + \cos 30° \sin 45°\]Using the known values: \[\sin 30° = \frac{1}{2}, \cos 45° = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}, \cos 30° = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, \sin 45° = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\]Plugging these in: \[\sin(30° + 45°) = \frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{4} + \frac{\sqrt{6}}{4} = \frac{\sqrt{2} + \sqrt{6}}{4}\]
Memorising these identities can make solving trigonometric problems much quicker!
Difference of Angles Identities
The difference of angles identities involve subtracting one angle from another. These identities also cover sine, cosine, and tangent. Here are the crucial identities:
- Sine: \(\sin(A - B) = \sin A \cos B - \cos A \sin B\)
- Cosine: \(\cos(A - B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B\)
- Tangent: \(\tan(A - B) = \frac{\tan A - \tan B}{1 + \tan A \tan B}\)
Suppose you need to find the value of \(\cos(60° - 30°)\). Employing the difference identity for cosine, you get: \[\cos(60° - 30°) = \cos 60° \cos 30° + \sin 60° \sin 30°\]Using known values: \[\cos 60° = \frac{1}{2}, \cos 30° = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, \sin 60° = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, \sin 30° = \frac{1}{2}\]Plugging these in: \[\cos(60° - 30°) = \frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \cdot \frac{1}{2} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{4} + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{4} = \frac{2\sqrt{3}}{4} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\]
If you dig deeper into the trigonometric identities, you'll realise they are derived from the unit circle and Euler's formula. Euler’s formula, \( e^{ix} = \cos x + i\sin x \), forms a deep foundation in trigonometry, linking it elegantly to complex numbers and exponential functions.
Trigonometric Identities Involving Sum and Difference of Angles: Applications
Trigonometric identities involving the sum and difference of angles are fundamental in simplifying and solving trigonometric equations. Understanding these identities allows you to navigate through complex trigonometric problems with ease.
Sum of Angles Trigonometric Identities: Sine
When working with the sine function, the sum of angles identity allows you to express \( \sin(A + B) \) as a combination of sines and cosines of the individual angles. This is very useful in breaking down expressions into simpler forms.
Sum of Angles Identity for Sine\( \sin(A + B) = \sin A \cos B + \cos A \sin B \)
To illustrate, if you need to find \( \sin(45° + 30°) \), you can use the sum of angles identity:\[ \sin(45° + 30°) = \sin 45° \cos 30° + \cos 45° \sin 30° \]Using known values:\( \sin 45° = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \), \( \cos 30° = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \), \( \cos 45° = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \), and \( \sin 30° = \frac{1}{2} \)Plugging these in:\[ \sin(45° + 30°) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} + \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \cdot \frac{1}{2} = \frac{\sqrt{6}}{4} + \frac{\sqrt{2}}{4} = \frac{\sqrt{6} + \sqrt{2}}{4} \]
If you remember the exact values for sine and cosine of special angles, solving these gets much easier!
Sum Angle Trigonometric Identity: Cosine
The cosine function's sum of angles identity is another powerful tool. It lets you express \( \cos(A + B) \) in terms of the cosines and sines of the individual angles.
Sum of Angles Identity for Cosine\( \cos(A + B) = \cos A \cos B - \sin A \sin B \)
For example, let's find \( \cos(60° + 30°) \). Using the sum of angles identity for cosine:\[ \cos(60° + 30°) = \cos 60° \cos 30° - \sin 60° \sin 30° \]Using known values:\( \cos 60° = \frac{1}{2} \), \( \cos 30° = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \), \( \sin 60° = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \), and \( \sin 30° = \frac{1}{2} \)Plugging these in:\[ \cos(60° + 30°) = \frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} - \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \cdot \frac{1}{2} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{4} - \frac{\sqrt{3}}{4} = 0 \]
Angle-Sum Trigonometric Identity: Tangent
The tangent function's sum of angles identity is slightly more complex but just as useful. It allows you to express \( \tan(A + B) \) in terms of the tangents of the individual angles.
Sum of Angles Identity for Tangent\( \tan(A + B) = \frac{\tan A + \tan B}{1 - \tan A \tan B} \)
Consider finding \( \tan(45° + 30°) \). Using the sum of angles identity for tangent:\[ \tan(45° + 30°) = \frac{\tan 45° + \tan 30°}{1 - \tan 45° \tan 30°} \]Using known values:\( \tan 45° = 1 \) and \( \tan 30° = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} \)Plugging these in:\[ \tan(45° + 30°) = \frac{1 + \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}}{1 - 1 \cdot \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}} = \frac{1 + \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}}{1 - \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}} = \frac{\sqrt{3} + 1}{\sqrt{3} - 1} \]Simplifying further, multiply the numerator and the denominator by \( \sqrt{3} + 1 \):\[ \tan(45° + 30°) = \frac{(\sqrt{3} + 1)^2}{(\sqrt{3} - 1)(\sqrt{3} + 1)} = \frac{3 + 2\sqrt{3} + 1}{3 - 1} = \frac{4 + 2\sqrt{3}}{2} = 2 + \sqrt{3} \]
Trigonometric Identities Involving Sum and Difference of Angles: Real-world Examples
These identities are not just theoretical; they have practical applications in various fields:
- Engineering: Engineers use trigonometric identities to analyse waves, vibrations, and electrical circuits.
- Physics: Physicists employ these identities in mechanics, optics, and wave theory.
- Computer Graphics: In computer graphics, these identities help in rotating objects and transforming coordinates.
- Astronomy: Astronomers use trigonometric identities to calculate distances and angles between celestial objects.
Visualising Sum and Difference of Angles Trigonometric Identities
Visualising these identities can help you grasp them more intuitively. Consider the unit circle, where each point corresponds to an angle whose coordinates are the cosine and sine of that angle. When you add or subtract angles, you effectively rotate around the origin of the unit circle.
To explore further, you can delve into complex numbers and Euler's formula, which shows a profound connection between trigonometry and complex exponential functions. Euler's formula, \( e^{ix} = \cos x + i\sin x \), is particularly powerful because it can represent rotations in the complex plane. This deep connection underscores the utility and elegance of trigonometric identities.
Trigonometric Identities Sum Angles - Key takeaways
- Sum of Angles Identities: Involves adding two angles within sine, cosine, and tangent functions. Key formulas include: \(\sin(A + B) = \sin A \cos B + \cos A \sin B\), \(\cos(A + B) = \cos A \cos B - \sin A \sin B\), and \(\tan(A + B) = \frac{\tan A + \tan B}{1 - \tan A \tan B}\).
- Difference of Angles Identities: Involves subtracting one angle from another. Essential formulas are: \(\sin(A - B) = \sin A \cos B - \cos A \sin B\), \(\cos(A - B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B\), and \(\tan(A - B) = \frac{\tan A - \tan B}{1 + \tan A \tan B}\).
- Applications: Trigonometric identities involving sum and difference of angles are used in engineering, physics, computer graphics, and astronomy for analysing waves, rotating objects, and calculating angles between celestial objects.
- Euler's Formula: The identities are derived from the unit circle and Euler's formula \(\
Learn with 12 Trigonometric Identities Sum Angles flashcards in the free StudySmarter app
Already have an account? Log in
Frequently Asked Questions about Trigonometric Identities Sum Angles
Test your knowledge with multiple choice flashcards
YOUR SCORE
Your score
Join the StudySmarter App and learn efficiently with millions of flashcards and more!
Learn with 12 Trigonometric Identities Sum Angles flashcards in the free StudySmarter app
Already have an account? Log in
About StudySmarter
StudySmarter is a globally recognized educational technology company, offering a holistic learning platform designed for students of all ages and educational levels. Our platform provides learning support for a wide range of subjects, including STEM, Social Sciences, and Languages and also helps students to successfully master various tests and exams worldwide, such as GCSE, A Level, SAT, ACT, Abitur, and more. We offer an extensive library of learning materials, including interactive flashcards, comprehensive textbook solutions, and detailed explanations. The cutting-edge technology and tools we provide help students create their own learning materials. StudySmarter’s content is not only expert-verified but also regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Learn more