Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Inverse trigonometric functions, such as tan⁻¹, are used to find angles when given a ratio of sides in a right triangle. For example, tan⁻¹(−2/3) gives the angle whose tangent is −2/3. Understanding how to interpret these functions is crucial for solving problems involving angles derived from ratios.
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Right Triangle Relationships
In trigonometry, the relationships between the angles and sides of right triangles are fundamental. When evaluating expressions like cos(tan⁻¹(−2/3)), it is essential to visualize or sketch a right triangle where the opposite side is −2 and the adjacent side is 3. This helps in determining the hypotenuse and applying the cosine function correctly.
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Pythagorean Theorem
The Pythagorean theorem states that in a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. This theorem is vital for finding the length of the hypotenuse when the lengths of the other two sides are known, which is necessary for calculating trigonometric functions like cosine in this context.
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