Trigonometric Identities

In calculus, trigonometric functions come up often and in a variety of contexts. The trigonometric identities listed below are important tools when looking for ways to make it easier to differentiate or integrate an otherwise more complex function. Substitute in these trigonometric identities when needed to find different ways to differentiate or integrate.

Reciprocal Identities

  • sin x = 1/csc x

    cos x = 1/sec x

    tan x = 1/cot x

  • csc x = 1/sin x

    sec x = 1/cos x

    cot x = 1/tan x

Pythagorean Identities

  • sin2 x + cos2 x = 1

    1 + tan2 x = sec2 x

    1 + cot2 x = csc2 x

Quotient Identities

  • tan x = sin x/cos x

    cot x = cos x/sin x

Co-Function Identities

  • sin (Π/2 - x) = cos x

    cos (Π/2 - x) = sin x

    tan (Π/2 - x) = cot x

  • csc (Π/2 - x) = sec x

    sec (Π/2 - x) = csc x

    cot (Π/2 - x) = tan x

Even-Odd Identities

  • sin (-x) = -sin x

    cos (-x) = cos x

    tan (-x) = -tan x

  • csc (-x) = -csc x

    sec (-x) = sec x

    cot (-x) = -cot x

Sum-Difference Formulas

  • sin (u ± v) = sin u cos v ± cos u sin v

    cos (u ± v) = cos u cos v ∓ sin u sin v

    tan (u ± v) = (tan u ± tan v)/(1 ∓ tan u tan v)