In Exercises 83–94, use a right triangle to write each expression as an algebraic expression. Assume that x is positive and that the given inverse trigonometric function is defined for the expression in x. tan (cos⁻¹ x)
Table of contents
- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 45m
- 1. Measuring Angles40m
- 2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles2h 5m
- 3. Unit Circle1h 19m
- 4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions1h 19m
- 5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations1h 41m
- 6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations2h 34m
- 7. Non-Right Triangles1h 38m
- 8. Vectors2h 25m
- 9. Polar Equations2h 5m
- 10. Parametric Equations1h 6m
- 11. Graphing Complex Numbers1h 7m
5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations
Evaluate Composite Trig Functions
Problem 73
Textbook Question
In Exercises 63–82, use a sketch to find the exact value of each expression. tan [cos⁻¹ (− 1/3)]
Verified step by step guidance1
Recognize that the expression is \( \tan(\cos^{-1}(-\frac{1}{3})) \). This means we need to find the tangent of an angle whose cosine is \( -\frac{1}{3} \).
Let \( \theta = \cos^{-1}(-\frac{1}{3}) \). By definition, \( \cos \theta = -\frac{1}{3} \). We want to find \( \tan \theta = \frac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta} \).
Use the Pythagorean identity to find \( \sin \theta \): \( \sin \theta = \pm \sqrt{1 - \cos^2 \theta} = \pm \sqrt{1 - \left(-\frac{1}{3}\right)^2} = \pm \sqrt{1 - \frac{1}{9}} = \pm \sqrt{\frac{8}{9}} = \pm \frac{2\sqrt{2}}{3} \).
Determine the correct sign of \( \sin \theta \) by considering the range of \( \theta = \cos^{-1}(-\frac{1}{3}) \). Since \( \cos \theta \) is negative, \( \theta \) lies in the second quadrant where sine is positive. So, \( \sin \theta = \frac{2\sqrt{2}}{3} \).
Finally, calculate \( \tan \theta = \frac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta} = \frac{\frac{2\sqrt{2}}{3}}{-\frac{1}{3}} = -2\sqrt{2} \).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Inverse Cosine Function (cos⁻¹)
The inverse cosine function, cos⁻¹(x), returns the angle whose cosine is x, typically within the range 0 to π radians. It helps determine the angle when the cosine value is known, which is essential for evaluating expressions involving inverse trigonometric functions.
Recommended video:
Inverse Cosine
Right Triangle and Unit Circle Relationships
Using a sketch, one can represent the angle from the inverse cosine on the unit circle or as a right triangle. This visualization helps identify the sides of the triangle, enabling the calculation of other trigonometric ratios like tangent by relating opposite and adjacent sides.
Recommended video:
Introduction to the Unit Circle
Tangent Function and Its Relation to Sine and Cosine
Tangent of an angle is defined as the ratio of sine to cosine (tan θ = sin θ / cos θ). Once the cosine value and corresponding angle are known, sine can be found using the Pythagorean identity, allowing the exact value of tangent to be computed.
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Sine, Cosine, & Tangent of 30°, 45°, & 60°
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