0
$\begingroup$

Simplify the expression. Use exact values and show all steps. $$8\left[\left(\cos\dfrac{3\pi}4\right)\left(\sin-\dfrac\pi4\right)\right]+\dfrac1{\sin\frac{5\pi}6}-\left(\tan\pi+\cot\dfrac{7\pi}{4}\right)$$

Here is the answer I got: $$\dfrac{\sin\left(\frac{5\pi}6\right)\left(-\cot\left(\frac{7\pi}4\right)+8\cos\left(\frac{3\pi}4\right)\sin\left(-\frac{\pi}4\right)-\tan(\pi)\right)+1}{\sin\left(\frac{5\pi}6\right)}$$

This is supposed to simplify to $7$, but I'm not quite sure how I can do this?

$\endgroup$
3
  • $\begingroup$ You can evaluate each of those trig functions explicitly. Do so, and plug in the numbers. $\endgroup$
    – rogerl
    Oct 6, 2014 at 23:30
  • $\begingroup$ Do you know the values of these trig functions based on the arguments? Do you know what $\sin(\frac{5 \pi}{6})$ is? Do you know how to write all of these in terms of sines and cosines? $\endgroup$
    – user28375028
    Oct 6, 2014 at 23:31
  • $\begingroup$ Use the angle addition formulas, the double and half angle formulas, and known trig angles (like 30, 45, and 60 degrees) together to evaluate the exact value of the functions in your equation. $\endgroup$
    – Jonny
    Oct 6, 2014 at 23:34

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
$\begingroup$

There are explicit values inside the trig functions, so you can evaluate the trig functions explicitly as well. $$\cos\left(\frac{3\pi}{4}\right) = \frac{-\sqrt{2}}{2} \\ \sin\left(\frac{-\pi}{4}\right) = \frac{-\sqrt{2}}{2} \\ \sin\left(\frac{5\pi}{6}\right) = \frac{1}{2} \\ \tan(\pi) = 0 \\ \cot\left(\frac{7\pi}{4}\right) = -1$$ Hence your quantity becomes $$8\left[\frac{-2}{\sqrt{2}}\cdot \frac{-2}{\sqrt{2}}\right]+\frac{1}{\frac{1}{2}}-\left(0+(-1\right))$$ I believe this will simplify to $19$... If you replace the coefficient of $8$ on the brackets with a $2$ you will get $7$

$\endgroup$

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .