Math Problem Statement

Find the approximate value of cot(θ), given that csc(θ) = -3.3272150 and θ is in quadrant IV. Rationalize denominators when applicable.

Solution

The problem asks to find the approximate value of cotθ\cot \theta, given that cscθ=3.3272150\csc \theta = -3.3272150 and θ\theta is in Quadrant IV. Here's how we can approach it:

Step-by-step breakdown:

  1. Relationship between Cosecant and Cotangent:

    • cscθ=1sinθ\csc \theta = \frac{1}{\sin \theta}, so sinθ=1cscθ\sin \theta = \frac{1}{\csc \theta}.
    • cotθ=cosθsinθ\cot \theta = \frac{\cos \theta}{\sin \theta}.
  2. Determine sinθ\sin \theta:

    • Since cscθ=3.3272150\csc \theta = -3.3272150, we can find sinθ\sin \theta: sinθ=13.32721500.300276\sin \theta = \frac{1}{-3.3272150} \approx -0.300276 The sine is negative, which is consistent with being in Quadrant IV.
  3. Determine cosθ\cos \theta:

    • Use the Pythagorean identity sin2θ+cos2θ=1\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1 to find cosθ\cos \theta: cos2θ=1sin2θ=1(0.300276)2\cos^2 \theta = 1 - \sin^2 \theta = 1 - (-0.300276)^2 cos2θ=10.09016560.9098344\cos^2 \theta = 1 - 0.0901656 \approx 0.9098344 cosθ=0.90983440.953853\cos \theta = \sqrt{0.9098344} \approx 0.953853 Since θ\theta is in Quadrant IV, cosθ\cos \theta is positive.
  4. Calculate cotθ\cot \theta:

    • Now we can calculate cotθ\cot \theta: cotθ=cosθsinθ=0.9538530.3002763.176819\cot \theta = \frac{\cos \theta}{\sin \theta} = \frac{0.953853}{-0.300276} \approx -3.176819

Therefore, the approximate value of cotθ\cot \theta is cotθ3.176819\cot \theta \approx -3.176819, which matches closely with option A: cotθ3.1740432\cot \theta \approx -3.1740432 when rounded to seven decimal places.

Would you like further details on any part of this solution?

Here are 5 related questions for deeper understanding:

  1. How do the signs of trigonometric functions change across the four quadrants?
  2. How can we rationalize denominators in trigonometric expressions?
  3. What is the Pythagorean identity and how is it applied in trigonometry?
  4. Why is cosθ\cos \theta positive and sinθ\sin \theta negative in Quadrant IV?
  5. How do you calculate other trigonometric functions using known values of sine or cosecant?

Tip: Always remember the quadrant when determining the signs of trigonometric values!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Cosecant
Cotangent
Quadrants

Formulas

csc(θ) = 1/sin(θ)
Pythagorean identity: sin²(θ) + cos²(θ) = 1
cot(θ) = cos(θ)/sin(θ)

Theorems

Pythagorean identity

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12