Friday, April 4, 2014

Reflection #1: Unit Q Verifying Trig Identities

1. What does it actually mean to verify a trig identity?
What verifying a trig function actually means is to prove that the answer given can actually be solved out from the equation given. There are multiple ways to verify a trig function. It might, at first, seem easy but because we are given an answer, we have to make sure to get the exact answer. There are multiple ways to verifying a trig identity but one must be cautious in what other trig identity is being used.

2. What tips and tricks have you found helpful?
Definitely memorizing all trig identities is very helpful. Using reciprocal identities come very handy when solving. If you see a sin, cos or tan squared, figure out if you can use a Pythagorean identity! It will honestly save your life. Sometimes ratio identities can save your life too. Although it is important to know the identities off the top of your head, while doing pq's, or homework it is also helpful to have a list of the identities out in front of you.

3. Explain your thought process and steps you take in verifying a trig identity.
First thing is DO NOT FREAK OUT. I freak out all the time and instead of doing the identity I stare at it and how hard it looks instead of doing it! Then I figure out I can use the reciprocal identities, cross multiply and BOOM, I get the answer. A trig identity might look extremely complex but all it might take is replacing one of the parts with a Pythagorean identity, another with a reciprocal identity and that can lead to your answer. Remember, do not freak out, be calm and solve your life away!

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