Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 10:21 · grounding rag
Model Answer
LHS $= \sqrt{\dfrac{1+\sin A}{1-\sin A}}$
Multiply numerator and denominator inside the root by $(1+\sin A)$:
$$= \sqrt{\dfrac{(1+\sin A)^2}{(1-\sin A)(1+\sin A)}} = \sqrt{\dfrac{(1+\sin A)^2}{1-\sin^2 A}}$$
Since $1 - \sin^2 A = \cos^2 A$:
$$= \sqrt{\dfrac{(1+\sin A)^2}{\cos^2 A}} = \dfrac{1+\sin A}{\cos A}$$
$$= \dfrac{1}{\cos A} + \dfrac{\sin A}{\cos A} = \sec A + \tan A = \textbf{RHS}$$ $\blacksquare$
Source: Introduction to Trigonometry, Exercise 8.3 Q4(vi)
---
Explanation
- The standard trick is to rationalise by multiplying inside the square root by $(1+\sin A)$ in both numerator and denominator, turning the denominator into $(1-\sin^2 A) = \cos^2 A$.
- This lets you take the square root cleanly, then split the fraction into $\frac{1}{\cos A} + \frac{\sin A}{\cos A}$.
- Examiners award 1 mark for the rationalisation/identity step and 1 mark for the correct simplification to $\sec A + \tan A$. Show every step clearly.