Can you prove to me why cos^2(X) + sin^2(X) = 1?

The answer to this lies in the geometry of a circle. At GCSE you were taught that a circle has a radius (which I will call R) which is the distance from the centre to a point on the circle. We put the centre of this circle on the x-y plane at (0,0). Drawing a straight line (which I will call L) from the centre to a point (a,b) on the circle in the upper right quadrant, we have a distance which is also the radius R. Using Pythagoras Theorem we can say that a2+b2 = R2 ..(1)We now look at the angle between the x-axis and the line L. We shall call this angle X for convenience. Using SOH CAH TOA trigonometry from GCSE we have that cos(X) = a/R - which we rearrange to get: a = Rcos(X)sin(X) = b/R - which we rearrange to get b = Rsin(X)If we substitute these two equations into (1) then we get: R2cos2(X) + R2sin2(X) = R2We then divide both sides of this equation to get cos2(X) + sin2(X) = 1!

JM
Answered by Jack M. Maths tutor

4131 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Use integration by parts to find the value of the indefinite integral (1/x^3)lnx ; integration with respect to dx


How do I find the roots of a quadratic equation?


Three forces (4i + 7j)N, (pi +5j)N and (-8i+qj) N act on a particle of mass 5 kg to produce an acceleration of (2i - j) m s 2 . No other forces act on the particle. Find the resultant force acting on the particle in terms of p and q. THEN find p and Q


A curve has the equation 2x^2 + xy - y^2 +18 = 0. (1) Find the coordinates of the points where the tangent to the curve is parallel to the x-axis.


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