Math 3 Quiz: Trigonometric Identities
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Trigonometric IdentitiesQuestion 1 of 15

If cotγ=724\cot \gamma = -\frac{7}{24} and sinγ>0\sin \gamma > 0, what is the value of cscγ\csc \gamma?

257-\frac{25}{7}
257\frac{25}{7}
2524-\frac{25}{24}
2524\frac{25}{24}
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Math 3 Quiz

Math 3 Quiz: Trigonometric Identities

Practice Trigonometric Identities in Math 3 with focused quiz questions that help you check what you know, review explanations, and build confidence with test-style prompts.

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Trigonometric Identities, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for Math 3.

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

All questions

Question 1

If cotγ=724\cot \gamma = -\frac{7}{24} and sinγ>0\sin \gamma > 0, what is the value of cscγ\csc \gamma?

  1. 257-\frac{25}{7}
  2. 257\frac{25}{7}
  3. 2524-\frac{25}{24}
  4. 2524\frac{25}{24} (correct answer)
Explanation: When you encounter trigonometric problems with given ratios and quadrant constraints, you need to use the Pythagorean identity and determine signs based on which quadrant the angle lies in. Since cotγ=724\cot \gamma = -\frac{7}{24} and sinγ>0\sin \gamma > 0, you can determine that γ\gamma is in Quadrant II. Here's why: cotangent equals cosγsinγ\frac{\cos \gamma}{\sin \gamma}, so if cotangent is negative and sine is positive, then cosine must be negative—which only occurs in Quadrant II. To find cscγ=1sinγ\csc \gamma = \frac{1}{\sin \gamma}, you first need to find sinγ\sin \gamma. Using the identity cot2γ+1=csc2γ\cot^2 \gamma + 1 = \csc^2 \gamma: (724)2+1=csc2γ\left(-\frac{7}{24}\right)^2 + 1 = \csc^2 \gamma 49576+1=49+576576=625576=csc2γ\frac{49}{576} + 1 = \frac{49 + 576}{576} = \frac{625}{576} = \csc^2 \gamma Therefore, cscγ=±2524\csc \gamma = \pm\frac{25}{24}. Since sinγ>0\sin \gamma > 0 in Quadrant II, cscγ=1sinγ>0\csc \gamma = \frac{1}{\sin \gamma} > 0, so cscγ=2524\csc \gamma = \frac{25}{24}. Choice A (257-\frac{25}{7}) and choice B (257\frac{25}{7}) incorrectly use 7 in the denominator, likely from confusing cotangent's numerator with the final answer's denominator. Choice C (2524-\frac{25}{24}) has the correct magnitude but wrong sign—this would be correct if the angle were in Quadrant III where both sine and cosecant are negative. Remember: always check quadrant signs after calculating trigonometric ratios. The given conditions about positive or negative values tell you which quadrant you're in, which determines the final sign.

Question 2

Which expression is equivalent to cos2xsin2xcos2x+sin2x\frac{\cos^2 x - \sin^2 x}{\cos^2 x + \sin^2 x} for all values of xx where the expression is defined?

  1. cos2x\cos 2x (correct answer)
  2. sin2x\sin 2x
  3. tan2x\tan^2 x
  4. sec2x\sec^2 x
Explanation: Using the fundamental identity sin2x+cos2x=1\sin^2 x + \cos^2 x = 1, the denominator becomes cos2x+sin2x=1\cos^2 x + \sin^2 x = 1. The numerator cos2xsin2x\cos^2 x - \sin^2 x is the double angle identity for cosine: cos2x=cos2xsin2x\cos 2x = \cos^2 x - \sin^2 x. Therefore, the expression simplifies to cos2x1=cos2x\frac{\cos 2x}{1} = \cos 2x. Choice B is wrong because sin2x=2sinxcosx\sin 2x = 2\sin x \cos x. Choice C is wrong because tan2x=sin2xcos2x\tan^2 x = \frac{\sin^2 x}{\cos^2 x}. Choice D is wrong because sec2x=1cos2x\sec^2 x = \frac{1}{\cos^2 x}.

Question 3

If cosα=513\cos \alpha = \frac{5}{13} and sinα>0\sin \alpha > 0, what is the value of 1+tan2αsecα\frac{1 + \tan^2 \alpha}{\sec \alpha}?

  1. 135\frac{13}{5} (correct answer)
  2. 513\frac{5}{13}
  3. 16925\frac{169}{25}
  4. 25169\frac{25}{169}
Explanation: First, we use the identity 1+tan2α=sec2α1 + \tan^2 \alpha = \sec^2 \alpha. So the expression becomes sec2αsecα=secα\frac{\sec^2 \alpha}{\sec \alpha} = \sec \alpha. Since cosα=513\cos \alpha = \frac{5}{13}, we have secα=1cosα=135\sec \alpha = \frac{1}{\cos \alpha} = \frac{13}{5}. Choice B gives cosα\cos \alpha instead of secα\sec \alpha. Choice C would result from squaring secα\sec \alpha. Choice D would result from squaring cosα\cos \alpha.

Question 4

If cosα=513\cos \alpha = \frac{5}{13} and α\alpha is in the fourth quadrant, what is the value of sin(2α)\sin(2\alpha)?

  1. 120169-\frac{120}{169} (correct answer)
  2. 119169-\frac{119}{169}
  3. 119169\frac{119}{169}
  4. 120169\frac{120}{169}
Explanation: First, we find sinα\sin \alpha using sin2α+cos2α=1\sin^2 \alpha + \cos^2 \alpha = 1. We have sin2α=125169=144169\sin^2 \alpha = 1 - \frac{25}{169} = \frac{144}{169}, so sinα=±1213\sin \alpha = \pm\frac{12}{13}. Since α\alpha is in quadrant IV, sinα=1213\sin \alpha = -\frac{12}{13}. Using the double angle identity sin(2α)=2sinαcosα\sin(2\alpha) = 2\sin \alpha \cos \alpha, we get sin(2α)=2(1213)513=120169\sin(2\alpha) = 2 \cdot (-\frac{12}{13}) \cdot \frac{5}{13} = -\frac{120}{169}. Choice B makes an arithmetic error in the calculation. Choice C uses the wrong sign for sinα\sin \alpha. Choice D makes both sign and calculation errors.

Question 5

If tanθ=43\tan \theta = -\frac{4}{3} and sinθ>0\sin \theta > 0, what is the value of sinθcosθ\sin \theta - \cos \theta?

  1. 75\frac{7}{5} (correct answer)
  2. 15\frac{1}{5}
  3. 15-\frac{1}{5}
  4. 75-\frac{7}{5}
Explanation: Since tanθ=43<0\tan \theta = -\frac{4}{3} < 0 and sinθ>0\sin \theta > 0, we must have cosθ<0\cos \theta < 0, so θ\theta is in quadrant II. Using tanθ=sinθcosθ=43\tan \theta = \frac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta} = -\frac{4}{3} and sin2θ+cos2θ=1\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1, we can write sinθ=43cosθ\sin \theta = -\frac{4}{3}\cos \theta. Substituting: (43cosθ)2+cos2θ=1(-\frac{4}{3}\cos \theta)^2 + \cos^2 \theta = 1, so 169cos2θ+cos2θ=1\frac{16}{9}\cos^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1, giving 259cos2θ=1\frac{25}{9}\cos^2 \theta = 1. Thus cos2θ=925\cos^2 \theta = \frac{9}{25}, so cosθ=±35\cos \theta = \pm\frac{3}{5}. Since we're in quadrant II, cosθ=35\cos \theta = -\frac{3}{5} and sinθ=43(35)=45\sin \theta = -\frac{4}{3} \cdot (-\frac{3}{5}) = \frac{4}{5}. Therefore, sinθcosθ=45(35)=45+35=75\sin \theta - \cos \theta = \frac{4}{5} - (-\frac{3}{5}) = \frac{4}{5} + \frac{3}{5} = \frac{7}{5}. Choice B subtracts incorrectly. Choice C uses wrong signs. Choice D uses both terms negative.

Question 6

For which expression is sin4ξ+cos4ξ\sin^4 \xi + \cos^4 \xi equivalent?

  1. 1sin2ξcos2ξ1 - \sin^2 \xi \cos^2 \xi
  2. 12sin2ξcos2ξ1 - 2\sin^2 \xi \cos^2 \xi (correct answer)
  3. 1+sin2ξcos2ξ1 + \sin^2 \xi \cos^2 \xi
  4. 1+2sin2ξcos2ξ1 + 2\sin^2 \xi \cos^2 \xi
Explanation: We can use the identity (sin2ξ+cos2ξ)2=1(\sin^2 \xi + \cos^2 \xi)^2 = 1 and expand: sin4ξ+2sin2ξcos2ξ+cos4ξ=1\sin^4 \xi + 2\sin^2 \xi \cos^2 \xi + \cos^4 \xi = 1. Rearranging: sin4ξ+cos4ξ=12sin2ξcos2ξ\sin^4 \xi + \cos^4 \xi = 1 - 2\sin^2 \xi \cos^2 \xi. Choice A has the wrong coefficient. Choice C has the wrong sign. Choice D has both wrong sign and coefficient.

Question 7

For which value of kk does the equation sin2θ+kcos2θ=1\sin^2 \theta + k\cos^2 \theta = 1 hold for all values of θ\theta?

  1. k=0k = 0
  2. k=1k = 1 (correct answer)
  3. k=1k = -1
  4. k=2k = 2
Explanation: Using the fundamental identity sin2θ+cos2θ=1\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1, we can substitute to get sin2θ+kcos2θ=1\sin^2 \theta + k\cos^2 \theta = 1. For this to equal the fundamental identity, we need kcos2θ=cos2θk\cos^2 \theta = \cos^2 \theta, which means k=1k = 1. Choice A would give sin2θ=1\sin^2 \theta = 1, which is not true for all θ\theta. Choice C would give sin2θcos2θ=1\sin^2 \theta - \cos^2 \theta = 1, which is not always true. Choice D would give sin2θ+2cos2θ=1\sin^2 \theta + 2\cos^2 \theta = 1, which contradicts the fundamental identity.

Question 8

For what value of cosϕ\cos \phi does the expression sin2ϕ+cos2ϕcosϕ\frac{\sin^2 \phi + \cos^2 \phi}{\cos \phi} equal 43\frac{4}{3}?

  1. cosϕ=13\cos \phi = \frac{1}{3}
  2. cosϕ=43\cos \phi = \frac{4}{3}
  3. cosϕ=34\cos \phi = \frac{3}{4} (correct answer)
  4. cosϕ=14\cos \phi = \frac{1}{4}
Explanation: When you encounter trigonometric expressions with both sine and cosine terms, always look for opportunities to apply fundamental identities. The key insight here is recognizing that sin2ϕ+cos2ϕ=1\sin^2 \phi + \cos^2 \phi = 1 by the Pythagorean identity. Let's simplify the given expression first. Since sin2ϕ+cos2ϕ=1\sin^2 \phi + \cos^2 \phi = 1, we can rewrite: sin2ϕ+cos2ϕcosϕ=1cosϕ\frac{\sin^2 \phi + \cos^2 \phi}{\cos \phi} = \frac{1}{\cos \phi} Now we need to solve: 1cosϕ=43\frac{1}{\cos \phi} = \frac{4}{3} Cross-multiplying gives us: 3=4cosϕ3 = 4\cos \phi Therefore: cosϕ=34\cos \phi = \frac{3}{4} This confirms that answer C is correct. Let's examine why the other options fail. If we substitute each into our equation 1cosϕ=43\frac{1}{\cos \phi} = \frac{4}{3}: For A) cosϕ=13\cos \phi = \frac{1}{3}: This gives 113=343\frac{1}{\frac{1}{3}} = 3 \neq \frac{4}{3} For B) cosϕ=43\cos \phi = \frac{4}{3}: This gives 143=3443\frac{1}{\frac{4}{3}} = \frac{3}{4} \neq \frac{4}{3}. Also, cosine values must be between -1 and 1, so 43\frac{4}{3} is impossible. For D) cosϕ=14\cos \phi = \frac{1}{4}: This gives 114=443\frac{1}{\frac{1}{4}} = 4 \neq \frac{4}{3} Study tip: Always simplify trigonometric expressions using basic identities before solving equations. The Pythagorean identity sin2ϕ+cos2ϕ=1\sin^2 \phi + \cos^2 \phi = 1 is especially powerful for eliminating complex terms and revealing simpler relationships.

Question 9

If sec2δtan2δ=k\sec^2 \delta - \tan^2 \delta = k for all values of δ\delta where the expression is defined, what is the value of kk?

  1. k=0k = 0
  2. k=1k = 1 (correct answer)
  3. k=1k = -1
  4. k=2k = 2
Explanation: This is a fundamental trigonometric identity: sec2δtan2δ=1\sec^2 \delta - \tan^2 \delta = 1. This can be derived from sin2δ+cos2δ=1\sin^2 \delta + \cos^2 \delta = 1 by dividing both sides by cos2δ\cos^2 \delta: sin2δcos2δ+cos2δcos2δ=1cos2δ\frac{\sin^2 \delta}{\cos^2 \delta} + \frac{\cos^2 \delta}{\cos^2 \delta} = \frac{1}{\cos^2 \delta}, which gives tan2δ+1=sec2δ\tan^2 \delta + 1 = \sec^2 \delta, or sec2δtan2δ=1\sec^2 \delta - \tan^2 \delta = 1. Choice A would contradict the fundamental identity. Choice C represents tan2δsec2δ\tan^2 \delta - \sec^2 \delta. Choice D would be sec2δ+tan2δ\sec^2 \delta + \tan^2 \delta minus something.

Question 10

If cosψ=35\cos \psi = -\frac{3}{5} and ψ\psi is in the second quadrant, what is the value of sinψ1+cosψ\frac{\sin \psi}{1 + \cos \psi}?

  1. 12\frac{1}{2}
  2. 2-2
  3. 22 (correct answer)
  4. 12-\frac{1}{2}
Explanation: When you encounter trigonometric problems with given values and quadrant information, your first step is to find the missing trigonometric function using the Pythagorean identity, then carefully track signs based on the quadrant. Since cosψ=35\cos \psi = -\frac{3}{5} and ψ\psi is in the second quadrant, you need to find sinψ\sin \psi. Using sin2ψ+cos2ψ=1\sin^2 \psi + \cos^2 \psi = 1: sin2ψ=1cos2ψ=1(35)2=1925=1625\sin^2 \psi = 1 - \cos^2 \psi = 1 - \left(-\frac{3}{5}\right)^2 = 1 - \frac{9}{25} = \frac{16}{25} So sinψ=±45\sin \psi = \pm\frac{4}{5}. Since ψ\psi is in the second quadrant where sine is positive, sinψ=45\sin \psi = \frac{4}{5}. Now you can evaluate the expression: sinψ1+cosψ=451+(35)=4525=4552=2\frac{\sin \psi}{1 + \cos \psi} = \frac{\frac{4}{5}}{1 + \left(-\frac{3}{5}\right)} = \frac{\frac{4}{5}}{\frac{2}{5}} = \frac{4}{5} \cdot \frac{5}{2} = 2 The correct answer is C) 22. Choice A) 12\frac{1}{2} results from incorrectly using sinψ=15\sin \psi = \frac{1}{5} instead of the correct value. Choice B) 2-2 comes from using the wrong sign for sine (treating it as negative in the second quadrant). Choice D) 12-\frac{1}{2} combines both errors: wrong sine value and wrong sign. Remember: in quadrant problems, always determine signs carefully using "All Students Take Calculus" (All positive in I, Sine positive in II, Tangent positive in III, Cosine positive in IV).

Question 11

Which of the following is equivalent to sin2β1cosβ\frac{\sin^2 \beta}{1 - \cos \beta} for cosβ1\cos \beta \neq 1?

  1. 1+cosβ1 + \cos \beta (correct answer)
  2. 1cosβ1 - \cos \beta
  3. 11+cosβ\frac{1}{1 + \cos \beta}
  4. 11cosβ\frac{1}{1 - \cos \beta}
Explanation: Using sin2β=1cos2β=(1cosβ)(1+cosβ)\sin^2 \beta = 1 - \cos^2 \beta = (1 - \cos \beta)(1 + \cos \beta), we can substitute: sin2β1cosβ=(1cosβ)(1+cosβ)1cosβ=1+cosβ\frac{\sin^2 \beta}{1 - \cos \beta} = \frac{(1 - \cos \beta)(1 + \cos \beta)}{1 - \cos \beta} = 1 + \cos \beta (provided cosβ1\cos \beta \neq 1). Choice B is the denominator. Choice C would result from incorrectly inverting the entire expression. Choice D would result from incorrectly canceling terms.

Question 12

Given that cosλ0\cos \lambda \neq 0 and sinλ0\sin \lambda \neq 0, which of the following trigonometric identities must be true?

  1. tan2λ+1=sec2λ\tan^2 \lambda + 1 = \sec^2 \lambda
  2. cot2λ+1=csc2λ\cot^2 \lambda + 1 = \csc^2 \lambda
  3. sec2λtan2λ=1\sec^2 \lambda - \tan^2 \lambda = 1
  4. All of the above (correct answer)
Explanation: These are fundamental trigonometric identities derived from sin2λ+cos2λ=1\sin^2 \lambda + \cos^2 \lambda = 1. Identity A: Dividing by cos2λ\cos^2 \lambda gives tan2λ+1=sec2λ\tan^2 \lambda + 1 = \sec^2 \lambda. Identity B: Dividing by sin2λ\sin^2 \lambda gives 1+cot2λ=csc2λ1 + \cot^2 \lambda = \csc^2 \lambda. Identity C: This is equivalent to identity A. Since cosλ0\cos \lambda \neq 0 and sinλ0\sin \lambda \neq 0, all three identities are valid.

Question 13

Given that sinA=513\sin A = \frac{5}{13} and cosA=1213\cos A = \frac{12}{13}, what is the value of sin2A+cos2A+tan2A\sin^2 A + \cos^2 A + \tan^2 A?

  1. 394169\frac{394}{169}
  2. 313169\frac{313}{169}
  3. 169144\frac{169}{144} (correct answer)
  4. 25144\frac{25}{144}
Explanation: When you encounter trigonometric expressions involving multiple functions, start by identifying what fundamental relationships you can use. This question tests your knowledge of the Pythagorean identity and how to find tangent from sine and cosine. To find sin2A+cos2A+tan2A\sin^2 A + \cos^2 A + \tan^2 A, begin with what you know. The Pythagorean identity tells us that sin2A+cos2A=1\sin^2 A + \cos^2 A = 1 for any angle. This is always true regardless of the specific values. Next, find tan2A\tan^2 A. Since tanA=sinAcosA\tan A = \frac{\sin A}{\cos A}, we have: tanA=5/1312/13=512\tan A = \frac{5/13}{12/13} = \frac{5}{12} Therefore: tan2A=(512)2=25144\tan^2 A = \left(\frac{5}{12}\right)^2 = \frac{25}{144} The complete expression equals: sin2A+cos2A+tan2A=1+25144=144144+25144=169144\sin^2 A + \cos^2 A + \tan^2 A = 1 + \frac{25}{144} = \frac{144}{144} + \frac{25}{144} = \frac{169}{144} Answer A (394169\frac{394}{169}) likely results from incorrectly calculating sin2A+cos2A\sin^2 A + \cos^2 A as (513)2+(1213)2=169169\left(\frac{5}{13}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{12}{13}\right)^2 = \frac{169}{169} and making arithmetic errors. Answer B (313169\frac{313}{169}) comes from similar calculation mistakes with the denominators. Answer D (25144\frac{25}{144}) represents finding only tan2A\tan^2 A and forgetting to add the Pythagorean identity term. Remember: sin2A+cos2A\sin^2 A + \cos^2 A always equals 1, so focus your calculations on the additional trigonometric terms in these types of problems.

Question 14

If secα+tanα=3\sec \alpha + \tan \alpha = 3, what is the value of secαtanα\sec \alpha - \tan \alpha?

  1. 13\frac{1}{3} (correct answer)
  2. 19\frac{1}{9}
  3. 33
  4. 13-\frac{1}{3}
Explanation: We use the identity (secα+tanα)(secαtanα)=sec2αtan2α=1(\sec \alpha + \tan \alpha)(\sec \alpha - \tan \alpha) = \sec^2 \alpha - \tan^2 \alpha = 1 (from the Pythagorean identity sec2αtan2α=1\sec^2 \alpha - \tan^2 \alpha = 1). Given that secα+tanα=3\sec \alpha + \tan \alpha = 3, we have 3(secαtanα)=13 \cdot (\sec \alpha - \tan \alpha) = 1. Therefore, secαtanα=13\sec \alpha - \tan \alpha = \frac{1}{3}. Choice B results from incorrectly squaring the given equation. Choice C assumes the two expressions are equal. Choice D uses the wrong sign from a calculation error.

Question 15

Which of the following expressions is NOT equivalent to sinx1+cosx\frac{\sin x}{1 + \cos x}?

  1. 1cosxsinx\frac{1 - \cos x}{\sin x}
  2. cot(x2)csc(x2)\cot\left(\frac{x}{2}\right) - \csc\left(\frac{x}{2}\right) (correct answer)
  3. tan(x2)\tan\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)
  4. 2sin(x2)cos(x2)2cos2(x2)\frac{2\sin\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)\cos\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)}{2\cos^2\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)}
Explanation: We can verify each choice. For choice A: multiply numerator and denominator of sinx1+cosx\frac{\sin x}{1 + \cos x} by (1cosx)(1 - \cos x) to get sinx(1cosx)(1+cosx)(1cosx)=sinx(1cosx)1cos2x=sinx(1cosx)sin2x=1cosxsinx\frac{\sin x(1 - \cos x)}{(1 + \cos x)(1 - \cos x)} = \frac{\sin x(1 - \cos x)}{1 - \cos^2 x} = \frac{\sin x(1 - \cos x)}{\sin^2 x} = \frac{1 - \cos x}{\sin x}. So A is equivalent. For choice C: using half-angle identities, sinx1+cosx=2sin(x/2)cos(x/2)1+(2cos2(x/2)1)=2sin(x/2)cos(x/2)2cos2(x/2)=sin(x/2)cos(x/2)=tan(x/2)\frac{\sin x}{1 + \cos x} = \frac{2\sin(x/2)\cos(x/2)}{1 + (2\cos^2(x/2) - 1)} = \frac{2\sin(x/2)\cos(x/2)}{2\cos^2(x/2)} = \frac{\sin(x/2)}{\cos(x/2)} = \tan(x/2). So C is equivalent. Choice D simplifies to 2sin(x/2)cos(x/2)2cos2(x/2)=sin(x/2)cos(x/2)=tan(x/2)\frac{2\sin(x/2)\cos(x/2)}{2\cos^2(x/2)} = \frac{\sin(x/2)}{\cos(x/2)} = \tan(x/2), which we showed equals the original expression. For choice B: cot(x/2)csc(x/2)=cos(x/2)sin(x/2)1sin(x/2)=cos(x/2)1sin(x/2)\cot(x/2) - \csc(x/2) = \frac{\cos(x/2)}{\sin(x/2)} - \frac{1}{\sin(x/2)} = \frac{\cos(x/2) - 1}{\sin(x/2)}. This is the negative of what we want, so B is NOT equivalent.