Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: sin^3 A + cos^3 A
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question tests identity recognition. Expressions that contain (sin A + cos A) often combine nicely with sin^2 A + cos^2 A = 1. A common target form is sin^3 A + cos^3 A, which can be factorized as (sin A + cos A)(sin^2 A − sin A cos A + cos^2 A).
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Rewrite the factor (1 − sin A cos A) using sin^2 A + cos^2 A:
1 − sin A cos A = (sin^2 A + cos^2 A) − sin A cos A = sin^2 A − sin A cos A + cos^2 A.
Then use the known factorization:
u^3 + v^3 = (u + v)(u^2 − uv + v^2),
with u = sin A and v = cos A.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Start with: (1 − sin A cos A)(sin A + cos A)
2) Replace 1 by sin^2 A + cos^2 A:
1 − sin A cos A = sin^2 A + cos^2 A − sin A cos A
3) Rearrange:
= sin^2 A − sin A cos A + cos^2 A
4) So the full expression becomes:
(sin A + cos A)(sin^2 A − sin A cos A + cos^2 A)
5) Recognize as u^3 + v^3 factorization:
= sin^3 A + cos^3 A
Verification / Alternative check:
Take A = 0°: sin A = 0, cos A = 1.
Original: (1 − 0)(0 + 1) = 1.
Right side: sin^3 A + cos^3 A = 0 + 1 = 1. Matches. This confirms the identity-based simplification.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
• sin^2 A − cos^2 A is unrelated to the cube-sum structure.
• 0 or 1 cannot be identically equal for all A (depends on A).
• sin A + cos A misses the extra factor.
Common Pitfalls:
• Expanding blindly and not using sin^2 A + cos^2 A = 1.
• Forgetting the identity for u^3 + v^3 factorization.
Final Answer:
sin^3 A + cos^3 A
Discussion & Comments