Topics/Chapter 7: Analytic Trigonometry
Precalc 25 sections

Chapter 7: Analytic Trigonometry

Analytic trigonometry develops the algebraic side of trig — simplifying expressions using identities, solving trig equations, and deriving powerful formulas like the sum, difference, double-angle, and half-angle formulas. These tools form the backbone of calculus and physics.

Textbook alignment

📘Stewart: ~Ch 7
📗Blitzer: ~Ch 5
📙Sullivan: ~Ch 7
📕Larson: ~Ch 5
📓OpenStax: ~Ch 7

Sections

7.1Trigonometric Identities

An identity is an equation true for ALL values of the variable. We build our toolkit starting from the Pythagorean identities and learn strategies for proving and simplifying trig expressions.

IdentityPythagorean identityReciprocal identityQuotient identity+3 more
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5 concepts5 worked examples10 practice problems

7.2Addition and Subtraction Formulas

The sum and difference formulas let you compute exact trig values for angles like 75° or 15° by splitting them into known angles (30°, 45°, 60°, 90°). They also enable algebraic manipulation of trig expressions.

Sum formulaDifference formulaCofunctionExact value+3 more
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5 concepts5 worked examples10 practice problems

7.3Double-Angle, Half-Angle, and Product-Sum Formulas

These formulas extend the addition formulas to special cases. Double-angle formulas are essential in calculus. Half-angle formulas give exact values for 22.5°, 15°, etc. Power-reducing formulas convert squares to double angles, enabling integration.

Double-angle formulaHalf-angle formulaPower-reducing formulaDouble-angle for tangent+3 more
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5 concepts5 worked examples10 practice problems

7.4Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Inverse trig functions answer 'which angle has this trig value?' They have restricted domains and ranges to ensure they are true functions. Mastering domain and range restrictions, exact value evaluation, and compositions is essential for calculus.

arcsin (sin⁻¹)arccos (cos⁻¹)arctan (tan⁻¹)Domain restriction+3 more
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5 concepts5 worked examples10 practice problems

7.5Trigonometric Equations

Trig equations have infinitely many solutions because trig functions are periodic. We find all solutions in one period then add multiples of the period. More complex equations require combining identities, factoring, or substitution before solving.

Reference angleGeneral solutionExtraneous solutionMultiple-angle equation+3 more
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5 concepts5 worked examples10 practice problems

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