Proving Trigonometric Identities Calculator

Trigonometric Identity Verifier

This calculator helps you verify trigonometric identities by evaluating both sides of an equation for a given angle. While numerical verification for a single angle does not constitute a formal proof, it can help you check your work, identify potential errors, or disprove false identities.

e.g., Math.sin(x), 1/Math.cos(x), Math.pow(Math.tan(x), 2)

e.g., Math.tan(x), Math.sin(2*x)

How to Use This Calculator:

To use the Trigonometric Identity Verifier, follow these guidelines for entering expressions:

  • Angle Variable: Always use x as the variable for the angle.
  • Trigonometric Functions:
    • Sine: Math.sin(x)
    • Cosine: Math.cos(x)
    • Tangent: Math.tan(x)
  • Reciprocal Functions:
    • Secant (sec(x)): 1/Math.cos(x)
    • Cosecant (csc(x)): 1/Math.sin(x)
    • Cotangent (cot(x)): 1/Math.tan(x)
  • Powers: Use Math.pow(base, exponent). For example, sin^2(x) should be entered as Math.pow(Math.sin(x), 2).
  • Constants: Use Math.PI for π (pi).
  • Operations: Standard arithmetic operators (+, -, *, /) are supported. Use parentheses () to ensure correct order of operations.

Understanding the Results:

The calculator evaluates both the Left Side Expression and the Right Side Expression for the given angle. It then compares the numerical results:

  • If the values are very close (within a small tolerance due to floating-point arithmetic), the calculator will suggest the identity holds true for the given angle.
  • If the values are significantly different, the calculator will indicate that the identity does not hold true for the given angle, suggesting the identity is false.
  • Remember, verifying an identity for one angle does not prove it for all angles. However, if it fails for even one angle, the identity is definitively false.

Examples:

Example 1: Pythagorean Identity

Identity: sin^2(x) + cos^2(x) = 1

  • Angle Value: 30
  • Angle Unit: Degrees
  • Left Side Expression: Math.pow(Math.sin(x), 2) + Math.pow(Math.cos(x), 2)
  • Right Side Expression: 1
  • Expected Result: Both sides should evaluate to 1.

Example 2: Double Angle Identity

Identity: sin(2x) = 2sin(x)cos(x)

  • Angle Value: 45
  • Angle Unit: Degrees
  • Left Side Expression: Math.sin(2*x)
  • Right Side Expression: 2 * Math.sin(x) * Math.cos(x)
  • Expected Result: Both sides should evaluate to 1.

Example 3: A False Identity

Identity: sin(x) + cos(x) = 1 (This is generally false)

  • Angle Value: 30
  • Angle Unit: Degrees
  • Left Side Expression: Math.sin(x) + Math.cos(x)
  • Right Side Expression: 1
  • Expected Result: Left side evaluates to approximately 1.366. Right side is 1. They are not equal.
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Verification Results:

'; outputHtml += 'Angle (x): ' + angleValue + ' ' + (unitDegrees ? 'Degrees' : 'Radians') + "; outputHtml += 'Left Side Expression: ' + expressionLeft + ''; outputHtml += 'Evaluated Left Side: ' + leftResult.toFixed(10) + "; outputHtml += 'Right Side Expression: ' + expressionRight + ''; outputHtml += 'Evaluated Right Side: ' + rightResult.toFixed(10) + "; if (Math.abs(leftResult – rightResult) < tolerance) { outputHtml += 'Conclusion: The identity appears to hold true for this angle (within a small tolerance).'; } else { outputHtml += 'Conclusion: The identity does NOT hold true for this angle. The difference is ' + Math.abs(leftResult – rightResult).toFixed(10) + '.'; } resultOutput.innerHTML = outputHtml; }

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