SOLUTION: why is it important to work only 1 side of a trig identity? Can you show an example where it makes a difference?

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Question 1056817: why is it important to work only 1 side of a trig identity?
Can you show an example where it makes a difference?
Answer by ikleyn(52797) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.
Never heard about such a rule.

You may work with one side of a trig identity, as well as with the both sides.

What IS important is to work correctly.

It is also important to understand which transformations are equivalent and which are not.


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Comment from student: I've seen several instances on this site where the tutor picks one side, and also said it's a requirement.
Edwin did one recently, and stated 1st, "I'll work on the right side." Thx for the reply, but I might post it again
to either get more info, or to make a case that it's not a rule.
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My response: Go ahead.


There is a bunch of my lessons on trig functions, trig equation and trig identities in this site:
    - Calculating trigonometric functions of angles
    - Advanced problems on calculating trigonometric functions of angles
    - Solving simple problems on trigonometric equations
    - Solving typical problems on trigonometric equations
    - Solving more complicated problems on trigonometric equations
    - Solving advanced problems on trigonometric equations
    - Proving Trigonometry identities
    - OVERVIEW of lessons on calculating trig functions and solving trig equations


Also, you have this free of charge online textbook in ALGEBRA-II in this site
    - ALGEBRA-II - YOUR ONLINE TEXTBOOK.

The referred lessons are the part of this online textbook under the topic "Trigonometry: Solved problems".