Math Problem Statement

evaluate sec -11pi/4

Solution

To evaluate sec(11π4)\sec\left(-\frac{11\pi}{4}\right), let's follow these steps:

Step 1: Simplify the angle

Since the secant function is periodic with a period of 2π2\pi, we reduce the given angle to an equivalent angle within the interval [0,2π][0, 2\pi].

11π4+2π=11π4+8π4=3π4-\frac{11\pi}{4} + 2\pi = -\frac{11\pi}{4} + \frac{8\pi}{4} = -\frac{3\pi}{4}

Now, we are evaluating sec(3π4)\sec\left(-\frac{3\pi}{4}\right).

Step 2: Use symmetry properties

The secant function is an even function, meaning that sec(x)=sec(x)\sec(-x) = \sec(x). Therefore,

sec(3π4)=sec(3π4)\sec\left(-\frac{3\pi}{4}\right) = \sec\left(\frac{3\pi}{4}\right)

Step 3: Evaluate sec(3π4)\sec\left(\frac{3\pi}{4}\right)

We know that 3π4\frac{3\pi}{4} is in the second quadrant, where the cosine function is negative. The reference angle is π4\frac{\pi}{4}, and the cosine of π4\frac{\pi}{4} is 12\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}.

Since cos(3π4)=12\cos\left(\frac{3\pi}{4}\right) = -\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}, the secant is the reciprocal of cosine:

sec(3π4)=1cos(3π4)=112=2\sec\left(\frac{3\pi}{4}\right) = \frac{1}{\cos\left(\frac{3\pi}{4}\right)} = \frac{1}{-\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}} = -\sqrt{2}

Final Answer:

sec(11π4)=2\sec\left(-\frac{11\pi}{4}\right) = -\sqrt{2}

Let me know if you'd like further clarification!


Here are five related questions:

  1. What is the value of sec(π4)\sec(\frac{\pi}{4})?
  2. How do we calculate csc(5π3)\csc\left(-\frac{5\pi}{3}\right)?
  3. What is the period of the secant function?
  4. How does the secant function behave in different quadrants?
  5. Can you find sec(2π+π3)\sec(2\pi + \frac{\pi}{3})?

Tip: Always check if the angle can be simplified by using periodicity of trigonometric functions to make calculations easier.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Secant Function
Angle Simplification
Symmetry Properties

Formulas

sec(x) = 1/cos(x)
sec(-x) = sec(x)
cos(pi/4) = 1/sqrt(2)

Theorems

Periodicity of Trigonometric Functions
Even Function Symmetry

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12