Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: tan A
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This problem tests standard trigonometric identities and algebraic simplification. The expression sin 2A / (1 + cos 2A) is a classic form that reduces neatly to a single basic trig ratio.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Use:
sin 2A = 2 sin A cos A
cos 2A = cos^2 A − sin^2 A
Also note:
1 + cos 2A = 1 + (cos^2 A − sin^2 A) = (sin^2 A + cos^2 A) + (cos^2 A − sin^2 A) = 2 cos^2 A.
Then the expression becomes:
(2 sin A cos A) / (2 cos^2 A) = sin A / cos A = tan A.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Replace sin 2A with 2 sin A cos A
2) Rewrite denominator:
1 + cos 2A = 1 + (cos^2 A − sin^2 A)
3) Use sin^2 A + cos^2 A = 1:
1 + cos 2A = (sin^2 A + cos^2 A) + (cos^2 A − sin^2 A) = 2 cos^2 A
4) Divide:
(2 sin A cos A) / (2 cos^2 A) = sin A / cos A = tan A
Verification / Alternative check:
Another common identity is:
tan(A) = sin 2A / (1 + cos 2A),
which you can also derive by multiplying numerator and denominator by (1 − cos 2A), but the double-angle substitution is the cleanest here.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
• cot A is the reciprocal of tan A, not equal to it.
• sin A, cos A, sec A do not match the ratio sin A / cos A.
Common Pitfalls:
• Forgetting that 1 + cos 2A becomes 2 cos^2 A.
• Cancelling incorrectly and losing a factor of cos A.
Final Answer:
tan A
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