Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Trigonometric Identities
Trigonometric identities are equations that involve trigonometric functions and are true for all values of the variables involved. The identity for the tangent of a sum, tan(x + y) = (tan x + tan y) / (1 - tan x * tan y), is particularly useful for solving problems involving the angles x and y. Understanding these identities allows for the simplification of complex trigonometric expressions.
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Fundamental Trigonometric Identities
Quadrants and Signs of Trigonometric Functions
The unit circle is divided into four quadrants, each affecting the signs of the trigonometric functions. In quadrant II, sine is positive and cosine is negative, while in quadrant III, both sine and cosine are negative. Knowing the quadrant in which an angle lies helps determine the signs of the sine, cosine, and tangent functions, which is essential for calculating tan(x + y) accurately.
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Finding Missing Trigonometric Values
To find the tangent of an angle when only sine or cosine is known, one can use the Pythagorean identity, sin²θ + cos²θ = 1. For example, if sin y = -2/3, we can find cos y using this identity. Similarly, knowing cos x allows us to find sin x. These values are crucial for applying the tangent sum identity effectively.
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