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Multiple Choice
Simplify the expression. sec(−θ)tan(−θ)
A
sinθ
B
−sinθ
C
−cotθ
D
1
Verified step by step guidance
1
Start by recalling the identities for tangent and secant of negative angles: \( \tan(-\theta) = -\tan(\theta) \) and \( \sec(-\theta) = \sec(\theta) \). These identities are derived from the even and odd properties of trigonometric functions.
Substitute these identities into the expression: \( \frac{\tan(-\theta)}{\sec(-\theta)} \sec(-\theta) \tan(-\theta) \) becomes \( \frac{-\tan(\theta)}{\sec(\theta)} \sec(\theta) (-\tan(\theta)) \).
Simplify the expression by canceling \( \sec(\theta) \) in the numerator and denominator: \( \frac{-\tan(\theta)}{\sec(\theta)} \sec(\theta) (-\tan(\theta)) \) simplifies to \( (-\tan(\theta))(-\tan(\theta)) \).
Recognize that \( (-\tan(\theta))(-\tan(\theta)) = \tan^2(\theta) \).
Recall the identity \( \tan^2(\theta) = \sec^2(\theta) - 1 \) and substitute \( \sec^2(\theta) - 1 \) for \( \tan^2(\theta) \). This simplifies to \( \sec^2(\theta) - 1 \), which is equivalent to \( 1 \) when simplified further.