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How do you use the sum and difference formula to simplify ##cot ((113 pi)/ 12)##?
Start by finding a coterminal radian for ##(113pi)/12## since it is a big number and we can’t look it up on the unit circle. The least positive co-terminal angle in radians will be ##(13pi)/12##
Now find two radians added or subtracted will give you the above value. I have found ##(3pi)/4+(pi)/3## will give you ##(13pi)/12##
Next recall the sum identity which states ##tan(x+y)=(tanx+tany)/(1-tanxtany)##
Let’s rewrite this identity in to cotangent:
##cot(x+y)=(cotx+coty)/(cotxcoty-1)##
Now substitute those two radians.
##cot((3pi)/4+pi/3)=(cot((3pi)/4)+cot((pi)/3))/(cot((3pi)/4)cot((pi)/3)-1)##
Now simplify.
##=(-1+1/sqrt(3))/((-1)(1/sqrt(3))-1)##
##=(-sqrt(3)+1)/(-1-sqrt(3))##
That’s it.