When can you divide both sides of an equation by a trigonometric function?? I was told to never divide both sides of an equation by a trigonometric function in case I accidentally eliminate an answer (or divide by 0). However, why do we divide both sides by cosx for sinx=cosx. How do I know whether I can divide or not by a trigonometric function? Thank you.

Abdiel Mays

Abdiel Mays

Answered question

2022-11-22

When can you divide both sides of an equation by a trigonometric function??
I was told to never divide both sides of an equation by a trigonometric function in case I accidentally eliminate an answer (or divide by 0).
However, why do we divide both sides by cos x for sin x = cos x. How do I know whether I can divide or not by a trigonometric function?
Thank you.

Answer & Explanation

Abril Orr

Abril Orr

Beginner2022-11-23Added 14 answers

when you divide by cos ( x ) then it must be
x ( 2 k + 1 ) π 2
and you have to solve the equation
tan ( x ) = 1
in an aother way you can square both sides, and we have
sin 2 ( x ) = cos 2 ( x )
or
sin 2 ( x ) = 1 sin 2 ( x )
and you must check the Solutions.

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?