Sum And Difference Identities

In these lessons we will learn

• the sum identities and difference identities for sine, cosine and tangent.
• how to use the sum identities and difference identities to simplify trigonometric expressions.
• how to use the sum identities and difference identities to prove other trigonometric identities.

What are the Sum and Difference Identities?

The following shows the Sum and Difference Identities for sin, cos and tan. Scroll down the page for more examples and solutions on how to use the identities.

Example:

Solution:
Given that cos(α + β) = cos α cos β – sin α sin β, then

Example:

Solution:

How to use the sum and difference identities for sin, cos, and tan?

Example:

1. Find sin(105°) exactly
2. Find cos(105°) exactly
3. Find tan(105°) exactly