How do you solve tan(x)sec(x)=tan (x)?

Question

This is a trigonometry identity equation. 

Answer 1

Subtract tan(x) from both sides of the equation, then factor it out from the left side of the equation:

tan(x) (sec(x) - 1) = 0

Now set each factor equal to zero and solve for x:

tan(x) = 0 --> x = 0 + k(pi)

sec(x) = 1 --> x = 0 + k(2pi)

 

Combining gives x= 0 + k(pi)

 

Answer 2

Hi Joy,

 

You must have copied this incorrectly. . . you're multiplying tan by something and ending up with tan. . . that's like saying, 4 times 2 equals 4.  The only way it works is if you're multiplying by 1, and the secant is equal to one for a very limited number of angles.

 

Dan