(C3) Show that 4csc^2(x) - cot^2(x) = k can be expressed as sec^2(x) = (k-1)/(k-4) where k != 4

The student can answer this in several ways. One using the simple, known identities csc= 1/sin, cot=1/tan, sec=1/cos, tan=sin/cos, sin^2 + cos^2 = 1 and basic algebra is the following:
4csc^2 - cot^2 = k4/sin^2 - 1/tan^2 = k Substitute inverse fomulae4/sin^2 - cos^2/sin^2 = k Substitute tan4 - cos^2 = ksin^2 4 - cos^2 = k(1-cos^2) Write in terms of Coskcos^2 - cos^2 = k - 4cos^2(k - 1) = k-4 Gather Cos terms(k-1)/(k-4) = sec^2 Write in terms of inverses

FH
Answered by Fearghus H. Maths tutor

4237 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Differentiate with respect to X: x^2 + 2y^2+ 2xy = 2


In the triangle ABC, AB = 16 cm, AC = 13 cm, angle ABC = 50 and angle BCA= x Find the two possible values for x, giving your answers to one decimal place.


The equation of a line is y=3x – x^3 a) Find the coordinates of the stationary points in this curve, stating whether they are maximum or minimum points b) Find the gradient of a tangent to that curve at the point (2,4)


Differentiate 4(x^3) + 3x + 2 with respect to x


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning