Math Problem Statement

Let θ be an angle in quadrant III such that sinθ=49\sin^{}\theta=-\frac49. Find the exact values of sec θ and tan θ.

Solution

Given that sinθ=49\sin \theta = -\frac{4}{9} and θ\theta is in the third quadrant, we need to find the exact values of secθ\sec \theta and tanθ\tan \theta.

Step 1: Determine cosθ\cos \theta

We know that: sin2θ+cos2θ=1\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1 Substitute sinθ=49\sin \theta = -\frac{4}{9}: (49)2+cos2θ=1\left(-\frac{4}{9}\right)^2 + \cos^2 \theta = 1 1681+cos2θ=1\frac{16}{81} + \cos^2 \theta = 1 cos2θ=11681\cos^2 \theta = 1 - \frac{16}{81} cos2θ=81811681=6581\cos^2 \theta = \frac{81}{81} - \frac{16}{81} = \frac{65}{81} Since θ\theta is in the third quadrant, cosθ\cos \theta is negative: cosθ=6581=659\cos \theta = -\sqrt{\frac{65}{81}} = -\frac{\sqrt{65}}{9}

Step 2: Calculate secθ\sec \theta

The secant is the reciprocal of the cosine: secθ=1cosθ=1659=965\sec \theta = \frac{1}{\cos \theta} = \frac{1}{-\frac{\sqrt{65}}{9}} = -\frac{9}{\sqrt{65}} To rationalize the denominator: secθ=965×6565=96565\sec \theta = -\frac{9}{\sqrt{65}} \times \frac{\sqrt{65}}{\sqrt{65}} = -\frac{9\sqrt{65}}{65}

Step 3: Calculate tanθ\tan \theta

The tangent is the ratio of sine to cosine: tanθ=sinθcosθ=49659=465=465\tan \theta = \frac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta} = \frac{-\frac{4}{9}}{-\frac{\sqrt{65}}{9}} = \frac{-4}{-\sqrt{65}} = \frac{4}{\sqrt{65}} Again, rationalizing the denominator: tanθ=465×6565=46565\tan \theta = \frac{4}{\sqrt{65}} \times \frac{\sqrt{65}}{\sqrt{65}} = \frac{4\sqrt{65}}{65}

Final Answers:

secθ=96565,tanθ=46565\sec \theta = -\frac{9\sqrt{65}}{65}, \quad \tan \theta = \frac{4\sqrt{65}}{65}

Would you like more details on any of these steps, or do you have further questions?

Here are some related questions to consider:

  1. What is the significance of the quadrant in determining the signs of trigonometric functions?
  2. How do you rationalize a denominator, and why is it done?
  3. How can you derive the Pythagorean identity from the unit circle?
  4. What are the other trigonometric identities that can be useful in problems like this?
  5. How do you determine the reference angle for a given angle in any quadrant?
  6. What are the steps to convert an angle in radians to degrees and vice versa?
  7. How does the CAST rule help in determining the sign of trigonometric functions?
  8. How can you graphically represent the values of sin\sin, cos\cos, and tan\tan for angles in different quadrants?

Tip: Remember that understanding the unit circle and the properties of trigonometric functions in different quadrants is crucial for solving trigonometric equations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Trigonometric Functions
Unit Circle

Formulas

Pythagorean identity

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Advanced High School