If your trig course was like mine, at some point you’ll be asked to prove one side of an equation equals another side, simplify a trig forumula, etc., using identities.

Of course, this is true outside of trig too…so my recommended approaches work beyond just this one subset of mathematics.

Now, I used the word “maze” deliberately. If you go into a real world maze (or do a maze puzzle), sometimes you’ll go the wrong way…have to back up…and try again. That’s true with these problems too. Don’t feel defeated if your first, second, etc. attempt fails. Just back up and try again!

And, understand that it’ll become easier and easier over time, where just looking at a problem will give you an idea of what the best steps likely are.

What should you try (numbering does not imply order or importance): [Read more…]