Determine whether each statement is possible or impossible. c. cos θ = 5
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
2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles
Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles
Problem 50
Textbook Question
Identify the quadrant (or possible quadrants) of an angle θ that satisfies the given conditions. See Example 3.
tan θ < 0 , cot θ < 0
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the definitions and signs of the trigonometric functions in each quadrant. The tangent function \(\tan \theta\) is positive in Quadrants I and III, and negative in Quadrants II and IV. The cotangent function \(\cot \theta\) has the same sign as tangent because \(\cot \theta = \frac{1}{\tan \theta}\), so it is also positive in Quadrants I and III, and negative in Quadrants II and IV.
Analyze the given inequalities: \(\tan \theta < 0\) means \(\theta\) lies in a quadrant where tangent is negative, which are Quadrants II and IV.
Similarly, \(\cot \theta < 0\) means cotangent is negative, so \(\theta\) must be in a quadrant where cotangent is negative, which are also Quadrants II and IV.
Since both \(\tan \theta\) and \(\cot \theta\) are negative, the angle \(\theta\) must be in the intersection of the quadrants where both are negative, which are Quadrants II and IV.
Therefore, the possible quadrants for \(\theta\) are Quadrant II and Quadrant IV.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Signs of Trigonometric Functions in Quadrants
The signs of sine, cosine, tangent, and cotangent vary depending on the quadrant of the angle. Tangent and cotangent are positive or negative based on the signs of sine and cosine, since tan θ = sin θ / cos θ and cot θ = cos θ / sin θ. Understanding which quadrants yield positive or negative values for these functions is essential to determine the angle's location.
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Quadratic Formula
Relationship Between Tangent and Cotangent
Tangent and cotangent are reciprocal functions: tan θ = 1 / cot θ and cot θ = 1 / tan θ. Their signs are linked but can differ depending on the quadrant. Recognizing that both tan θ and cot θ depend on sine and cosine helps analyze their signs simultaneously to narrow down possible quadrants.
Recommended video:
Introduction to Cotangent Graph
Quadrant Identification Using Inequalities
Given inequalities like tan θ < 0 and cot θ < 0, one must use the sign rules of trigonometric functions to identify which quadrants satisfy these conditions. Since tangent and cotangent change signs in specific quadrants, analyzing these inequalities helps pinpoint the possible quadrants where the angle θ lies.
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Quadratic Formula
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