Math Problem Statement

Find the values of sin θ, cos θ, and tan θ for the given right triangle. Give the exact values.

Solution

To solve for the values of sinθ\sin \theta, cosθ\cos \theta, and tanθ\tan \theta in this right triangle, let's analyze the sides in relation to θ\theta.

Given:

  • Opposite side (to θ\theta): 8
  • Adjacent side (to θ\theta): 7

To find the hypotenuse, hh, we use the Pythagorean theorem: h=72+82=49+64=113h = \sqrt{7^2 + 8^2} = \sqrt{49 + 64} = \sqrt{113}

Now, we can find each trigonometric ratio:

  1. Sine sinθ=oppositehypotenuse\sin \theta = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}}: sinθ=8113\sin \theta = \frac{8}{\sqrt{113}}

  2. Cosine cosθ=adjacenthypotenuse\cos \theta = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}}: cosθ=7113\cos \theta = \frac{7}{\sqrt{113}}

  3. Tangent tanθ=oppositeadjacent\tan \theta = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}}: tanθ=87\tan \theta = \frac{8}{7}

To provide the exact values in a simplified form, we could rationalize the denominators for sinθ\sin \theta and cosθ\cos \theta:

  • sinθ=8113×113113=8113113\sin \theta = \frac{8}{\sqrt{113}} \times \frac{\sqrt{113}}{\sqrt{113}} = \frac{8 \sqrt{113}}{113}
  • cosθ=7113×113113=7113113\cos \theta = \frac{7}{\sqrt{113}} \times \frac{\sqrt{113}}{\sqrt{113}} = \frac{7 \sqrt{113}}{113}

Final Answers

  • sinθ=8113113\sin \theta = \frac{8 \sqrt{113}}{113}
  • cosθ=7113113\cos \theta = \frac{7 \sqrt{113}}{113}
  • tanθ=87\tan \theta = \frac{8}{7}

Would you like a deeper explanation on any part of this solution or further examples?

Here are some related questions to explore further:

  1. How would you find the values if only the hypotenuse and one leg were given?
  2. What are the reciprocal trigonometric functions (cosecant, secant, and cotangent) for θ\theta in this triangle?
  3. How would these values change if the triangle were scaled by a factor?
  4. Can you explain why rationalizing the denominator is often recommended?
  5. What if θ\theta were in a different quadrant; how would these ratios be affected?

Tip: Remember, in trigonometry, each ratio (sine, cosine, tangent) relates specific sides of the triangle, making them easy to remember if you know the definitions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangle Ratios
Pythagorean Theorem

Formulas

sin θ = opposite/hypotenuse
cos θ = adjacent/hypotenuse
tan θ = opposite/adjacent

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11