Question

How can you factor an algebraic expression in terms of a single trig function

Answer 1

any particular example question u have ?

Answer 2

sin^2 x+sin x-2

Answer 3

yeah, so just assume sin x = a
and u get an algebraic expression, factor that.

Answer 4

then after factoring, you can put back a = sin x.

Answer 5

my teacher keeps telling me I am overthinking it
I got
sinxsinx+sinx-2
/sinx+xinx
=sinx-2

Answer 6

what is a common factor

Answer 7

a^2+a-2 = a^2 +2a-a-2 = a(a+2)-1(a+2)
did u get that ?

Answer 8

ah ok, brain fart.

Answer 9

that comes out to be (a-1)(a+2)
and putting back a=sin x
u get (sin x-1)(sin x+2)

Answer 10

ok, makes so much more sense now.

Answer 11

yeah, thats the final factored form

Answer 12

ok thank you

Answer 13

welcome ^_^