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2024 · Q12

What is (1 + tanα tanβ)² + (tanα − tanβ)² equal to?

Elementary MathematicsTrigonometry
  1. Atan²α tan²β
  2. Bsec²α sec²β
  3. Ctan²α cot²β
  4. Dsec²α tan²β

Explanation

Expand: (1+tanαtanβ)² + (tanα−tanβ)² = 1 + 2tanαtanβ + tan²αtan²β + tan²α − 2tanαtanβ + tan²β. The cross terms cancel, leaving 1 + tan²α + tan²β + tan²αtan²β = (1+tan²α)(1+tan²β). Since 1+tan² = sec², this equals sec²αsec²β — option B.