Problem

Simplify cos(y)csc(pi/2-y)

The question requires you to simplify the mathematical expression given, which consists of trigonometric functions cosine (cos) and cosecant (csc). The expression specifically is cos(y)csc(pi/2-y), and to simplify it, you will need to recognize and apply trigonometric identities and properties, such as the complementary angle identity csc(90° - θ) = sec(θ), where θ is an angle measured in degrees or, equivalently, csc(π/2 - y) = sec(y) when the angle is measured in radians.

cos(y)csc(π2y)

Answer

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Solution:

Step 1:

Express csc(π2y) using sine and cosine functions: cos(y)1sin(π2y).

Step 2:

Merge cos(y) and 1sin(π2y): cos(y)sin(π2y).

Step 3:

Transform the expression cos(y)sin(π2y) into a multiplication format: cos(y)1sin(π2y).

Step 4:

Represent cos(y) as a fraction with a denominator of 1: cos(y)11sin(π2y).

Step 5:

Proceed to simplify the expression.

Step 5.1:

Divide cos(y) by 1: cos(y)1sin(π2y).

Step 5.2:

Change 1sin(π2y) back to csc(π2y): cos(y)csc(π2y).

Knowledge Notes:

The problem involves simplifying a trigonometric expression that contains both cosine and cosecant functions. Here are the relevant knowledge points:

  1. Trigonometric Functions: The basic trigonometric functions are sine (sin), cosine (cos), tangent (tan), cosecant (csc), secant (sec), and cotangent (cot). These functions are fundamental in the study of triangles, waves, and oscillations.

  2. Cosecant Function: The cosecant (csc) is the reciprocal of the sine function. That is, csc(θ)=1sin(θ).

  3. Complementary Angles: In trigonometry, two angles are complementary if they add up to π2 radians (or 90 degrees). The sine of an angle is equal to the cosine of its complement, and vice versa: sin(π2θ)=cos(θ) and cos(π2θ)=sin(θ).

  4. Simplification: Simplifying an expression involves rewriting it in a more concise or more easily understandable form, often by combining like terms or using identities to replace parts of the expression with simpler equivalents.

  5. Trigonometric Identities: These are equations involving trigonometric functions that are true for all values of the variables where both sides of the equation are defined. They are useful in simplifying expressions and solving equations involving trigonometric functions.

In this problem, the process involves using the complementary angle identity and the definition of the cosecant function to simplify the given expression. The final result is a simplified version of the original expression, which is easier to interpret or use in further calculations.

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