How do you solve the equation involving tan, cot, and their squares: 1 + tan²(a) + 1 + cot²(a) + 1 + tan(a) + 1 + cot²(a) tan²(a)?

To solve the given expression 1 + tan²(a) + 1 + cot²(a) + 1 + tan(a) + 1 + cot²(a) tan²(a), we’ll first rewrite it in a clearer format:

  • Let tan²(a) = x, so cot²(a) = 1/tan²(a) = 1/x.

Now, substituting these in:

  • The expression becomes: 4 + x + 1/x + tan(a) + 1/x * x

Notice that 1/x * x simplifies to 1. Therefore, our expression now reads:

  • 4 + x + 1/x + tan(a) + 1

This simplifies to:

  • 5 + x + 1/x + tan(a)

Next step is to manipulate the terms:

  • We know from trigonometric identities that tan(a) = sin(a)/cos(a).
  • Therefore, tan²(a) + cot²(a) = 2 + 2 tan²(a)cot²(a) following the Pythagorean identity.

Thus, we switch gears a bit: evaluate the function 5 + tan²(a) + cot²(a), where both are based upon the angle ‘a’ .

Using the identity, where:

  • 1 + tan²(a) = sec²(a)
  • 1 + cot²(a) = csc²(a)

Now we arrive at:

  • 5 + sec²(a) + csc²(a)

Next, using computed values according to specific ‘a’ values, you would substitute values into the final formula derived:

  • For example, if a = 45°, tan(45°) = 1 and cot(45°) = 1, leading to:
  • 5 + 1 + 1 = 7

Therefore, the expression evaluates specifically based on the input value of ‘a’. Always consider what angle you are working with to yield a final computational result.

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