In Exercises 61–62, use the figures shown to find the bearing from O to A.
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 71
Textbook Question
Use identities to solve each of the following. Rationalize denominators when applicable. See Examples 5–7. Find cot θ , given that csc θ = ―1.45 and θ is in quadrant III.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the identity relating cosecant and sine: \(\csc \theta = \frac{1}{\sin \theta}\). Use this to find \(\sin \theta\) by taking the reciprocal of \(\csc \theta\).
Since \(\csc \theta = -1.45\), calculate \(\sin \theta = \frac{1}{-1.45}\). Keep this as a fraction or decimal for now without simplifying fully.
Determine the sign of \(\cos \theta\) in quadrant III. In quadrant III, both sine and cosine are negative, so \(\cos \theta < 0\).
Use the Pythagorean identity \(\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1\) to find \(\cos \theta\). Substitute the value of \(\sin \theta\) and solve for \(\cos \theta\), taking the negative root because of the quadrant.
Recall that \(\cot \theta = \frac{\cos \theta}{\sin \theta}\). Substitute the values of \(\cos \theta\) and \(\sin \theta\) found in previous steps to express \(\cot \theta\). Then rationalize the denominator if necessary.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
2mPlay a video:
0 Comments
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Reciprocal Trigonometric Identities
Reciprocal identities relate trigonometric functions to their reciprocals, such as csc θ = 1/sin θ and cot θ = 1/tan θ. Knowing csc θ allows you to find sin θ, which is essential for determining cot θ.
Recommended video:
Fundamental Trigonometric Identities
Sign of Trigonometric Functions in Quadrants
The sign of trig functions depends on the quadrant of the angle. In quadrant III, both sine and cosine are negative, while tangent and cotangent are positive. This helps determine the correct sign of cot θ.
Recommended video:
Quadratic Formula
Pythagorean Identity and Rationalizing Denominators
The Pythagorean identity, sin²θ + cos²θ = 1, allows calculation of cosine once sine is known. Rationalizing denominators ensures the final answer is simplified and free of radicals in the denominator, as required.
Recommended video:
Rationalizing Denominators
Related Videos
Related Practice
Textbook Question
985
views
