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 33
Textbook Question
In Exercises 23–34, find the exact value of each of the remaining trigonometric functions of θ. sec θ = -3, tan θ > 0
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the definition of secant: \(\sec \theta = \frac{1}{\cos \theta}\). Given \(\sec \theta = -3\), find \(\cos \theta\) by taking the reciprocal: \(\cos \theta = \frac{1}{\sec \theta} = \frac{1}{-3} = -\frac{1}{3}\).
Determine the quadrant where \(\theta\) lies using the signs of \(\sec \theta\) and \(\tan \theta\). Since \(\sec \theta = -3\) (negative) and \(\tan \theta > 0\) (positive), recall that \(\sec \theta\) has the same sign as \(\cos \theta\). So \(\cos \theta\) is negative and \(\tan \theta\) is positive. This occurs in Quadrant III.
Use the Pythagorean identity to find \(\sin \theta\): \(\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1\). Substitute \(\cos \theta = -\frac{1}{3}\) to get \(\sin^2 \theta = 1 - \left(-\frac{1}{3}\right)^2 = 1 - \frac{1}{9} = \frac{8}{9}\). Then, \(\sin \theta = \pm \sqrt{\frac{8}{9}} = \pm \frac{2\sqrt{2}}{3}\). Since \(\theta\) is in Quadrant III, where sine is negative, choose \(\sin \theta = -\frac{2\sqrt{2}}{3}\).
Find \(\tan \theta\) using the definition \(\tan \theta = \frac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta}\). Substitute the values found: \(\tan \theta = \frac{-\frac{2\sqrt{2}}{3}}{-\frac{1}{3}}\). Simplify the fraction to find \(\tan \theta\).
Calculate the remaining trigonometric functions using the relationships: \(\csc \theta = \frac{1}{\sin \theta}\), \(\cot \theta = \frac{1}{\tan \theta}\), and verify the signs based on the quadrant to ensure consistency.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Reciprocal Trigonometric Functions
The secant function (sec θ) is the reciprocal of the cosine function, meaning sec θ = 1/cos θ. Knowing sec θ allows you to find cos θ, which is essential for determining other trigonometric functions.
Recommended video:
Introduction to Trigonometric Functions
Sign of Trigonometric Functions in Quadrants
The sign of trigonometric functions depends on the quadrant where the angle θ lies. Given sec θ = -3 and tan θ > 0, identifying the correct quadrant helps determine the signs of sine, cosine, and tangent accurately.
Recommended video:
Quadratic Formula
Pythagorean Identities
Pythagorean identities like sin²θ + cos²θ = 1 relate sine and cosine, enabling calculation of missing functions once one is known. These identities are crucial for finding exact values of all trigonometric functions from given information.
Recommended video:
Pythagorean Identities
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
In Exercises 23–34, find the exact value of each of the remaining trigonometric functions of θ.sin θ = 5/13, θ in quadrant II
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