Even-odd identities are mathematical relationships that describe how the sine and cosine functions behave based on angle.
- Even Functions: A function f(x) is called even if f(āx) = f(x). This means that the function is symmetrical about the y-axis. The cosine function is an example of an even function.
- Odd Functions: A function f(x) is called odd if f(āx) = āf(x). This means that the function is symmetrical about the origin. The sine function is an example of an odd function.

In trigonometry, there are many types of identities, including Pythagorean identities, even-odd identities, reciprocal identities, and sum and difference identities.
Even-Odd Identities in Trigonometry
In trigonometry, some functions behave as even functions, while others behave as odd. Hereās how they break down:
| Even-Odd Identities | Even or Odd |
|---|---|
| sinā”(āx) = āsinā”(x) | Odd |
| cosā”(āx) = cosā”(x) | Even |
| tanā”(āx) = ātanā”(x) | Odd |
| cosecā”(āx) = ācosecā”(x) | Odd |
| secā”(āx) = secā”(x) | Even |
| cotā”(āx) = ācotā”(x) | Odd |
Proof of Even-Odd Identities
As we know, -x (if x < 90°) lies in the fourth quadrant, and only positive values in that quadrant are cos and sec.
- cosā”(āx) = cosā”(x) and secā”(āx) = secā”(x)

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Solved Questions on Even-Odd Identities
Question 1: Evaluate cosā”(ā60°) + sinā”(ā30°).
Solution:
First, simplify each term using the appropriate identities:
- For cosā”(ā60°): cosā”(ā60°) = cosā”(60°) = 1/2
- For sinā”(ā30°): sinā”(ā30°) = āsinā”(30°) = ā1/2ā
Now, combine the results:
cosā”(ā60°) + sinā”(ā30°) = 1/2 + (-1/2) = 1/2 - 1/2 = 0
Question 2: Prove that sinā”(āx) + sinā”(x) = 0
Solution:
Using the odd identity for sine:
sinā”(āx) = āsinā”(x)Now substitute this into the left side of the equation:
sinā”(āx) + sinā”(x) = āsinā”(x) + sinā”(x) = 0Thus, the identity is proven to be true.
Question 3: Find cosā”(ā135°) and sinā”(ā135°).
Solution:
- For cosā”(ā135°): cosā”(ā135°) = cosā”(135°) = cosā”(90° + 45°) = - sin(45°) = ā1/ā2āā [As cos(90° + x) = -sin x]
- For sinā”(ā135°): sinā”(ā135°) = ā sinā”(135°) = -sin(90° + 45°) = -cos(45°) = ā1/ā2 [As sin(90° + x) = cos x]
Worksheet: Even-Odd Identities

You can download this free worksheet on Even-Odd Identities from below:
Conclusion
In conclusion, even-odd identities are important concepts in trigonometry that help us understand how sine and cosine functions behave with negative angles. By recognizing that cosine is an even function and sine is an odd function, we can simplify calculations and solve problems more easily.
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