Prove that 1 + tan^2 x = sec^2 x

We know that tan x = sin x/cos x and so tan2x = sin2x/cos2x. We also know that sin2x + cos2x = 1 because this is a Pythagorean identity. We can rewrite the left hand side as (cos2x + sin2x)/cos2x because 1 can be rewritten as cos2x/cos2x. Because sin2x + cos2x = 1, we can simplify the numerator of the left hand side, meaning that  (cos2x + sin2x)/cos2x  = 1/cos2x  which is sec2x (the right hand side). Therefore LHS=RHS and we have proven 1 + tan2 x = sec2 x

EF
Answered by Eleanor F. Maths tutor

20294 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Write cosx - 3sinx in the form Rcos(x + a)


Given that 4(cosec x)^2 - (cot x)^2 = k, express sec x in terms of k.


if f is defined on with f(x)=x^2-2x-24(x)^0.5 for x>=0 a) find 1st derivative of f, b) find second derivative of f, c) Verify that function f has a stationary point when x = 4 (c) Determine the type stationary point.


what is the equation of the normal line to the curve y=x^2-4x+3 at the point (5,8)?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning