Reflection #1 - Unit Q: Verifying Trig Identities

1. To verify a trig function means to check if the equation is true. To get this, we must get our left side equal to the right side of the equation. Meaning, we already know what the right side is, we just need to get the left side to the same value to verify that the equation is a true statement.
2. The one important tip I found helpful is using your resources. That means all the videos provided, friends around you, and Mrs. Kirch are there to help you in figuring out trig identities. So even if you think you have the answer, your classmates are a big advantage in helping you check if your solution is correct. Another tip that I found helpful is actually memorizing or getting the jist of the types of identities. The ratio, recipricol, and Pythagorean identites all play a significant role and lays a foundation throughout this unit.
3. To verify a trig function, there are many steps that can be taken that can differ from one way to another yet still end up with the same results. The first thing I make sure is that my denominators are the same. If they're not, I have to get them to be the same by multiplying the denominator to the opposing parts or multiplying by the conjugate. Another thing I look at is whether I can convert one thing to a different identity to help me verify/solve the trig identity. You always need to make sure to know which identities can power up or power down or do neither! Itis highly suggested that the trig functions in the identities are similar so that it may be crossed off or simplified easily.