Don't always pick what you think is the most complicated side

The video challenges the common belief of always starting with the most complicated side when working with trigonometric identities. It explains that using identities can simplify the process and demonstrates this by applying sum and difference formulas. The instructor emphasizes converting expressions to sines and cosines for easier manipulation and provides a step-by-step guide to simplifying expressions. The video concludes with verifying the identity and encourages students to understand and apply identities effectively.

Why does the instructor suggest not always choosing the more complex side of an identity?

• Because it is a rule in mathematics

• Because it is always incorrect

• Because the simpler side might be easier to expand using identities

• Because the complex side is always wrong

What should you think of when you see addition or subtraction of angles in trigonometric functions?

• Quadratic Formula

• Law of Sines

• Sum and Difference Formulas

• Pythagorean Theorem

What is a recommended strategy when students are confused about simplifying identities?

• Always choose the complex side

• Convert expressions to sines and cosines

• Ignore the problem

• Use the quadratic formula

What is the goal when converting expressions to sines and cosines?

• To make the expression more complex

• To achieve a form like cotangent of X and Y

• To solve for X and Y

• To eliminate all trigonometric functions

What happens when you multiply by the sine of X and sine of Y on both sides?

• The expression becomes undefined

• The expression remains unchanged

• The expression simplifies to a known identity

• The expression becomes more complex

What property allows the order of addition and multiplication to not matter in identities?

• Identity Property

• Commutative Property

• Distributive Property

• Associative Property

What is the instructor's final advice regarding choosing sides in identities?

• Avoid using identities

• Pick a side and stick to it, but consider identities

• Always choose the simple side

• Always choose the complex side