Math Problem Statement

what does a and b =?

What does A and B equal?

Solution

We are given the following trigonometric identity:

tan(78)tan(18)1+tan(78)tan(18)=tan(A)=B.\frac{\tan(78^\circ) - \tan(18^\circ)}{1 + \tan(78^\circ) \cdot \tan(18^\circ)} = \tan(A^\circ) = \sqrt{B}.

Step 1: Use the tangent subtraction identity.

This is an application of the tangent subtraction formula:

tan(xy)=tan(x)tan(y)1+tan(x)tan(y).\tan(x - y) = \frac{\tan(x) - \tan(y)}{1 + \tan(x) \cdot \tan(y)}.

If we compare this with the given equation, we can rewrite it as:

tan(78)tan(18)1+tan(78)tan(18)=tan((7818))=tan(60).\frac{\tan(78^\circ) - \tan(18^\circ)}{1 + \tan(78^\circ) \cdot \tan(18^\circ)} = \tan((78^\circ - 18^\circ)) = \tan(60^\circ).

Thus, A=60A = 60^\circ.

Step 2: Solve for BB.

Since we now know that tan(A)=tan(60)\tan(A^\circ) = \tan(60^\circ), and tan(60)=3\tan(60^\circ) = \sqrt{3}, we have:

B=3.\sqrt{B} = \sqrt{3}.

By squaring both sides:

B=3.B = 3.

Final Answer:

  • A=60A = 60^\circ
  • B=3B = 3

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

Here are some related questions:

  1. How does the tangent subtraction formula work in other cases?
  2. Why does tan(60)=3\tan(60^\circ) = \sqrt{3}?
  3. What are some other important trigonometric identities involving tangent?
  4. Can we derive this result using a different approach?
  5. What happens if we change the angles in the original equation?

Tip: Tangent identities like these often simplify complex angle relationships, especially when using known angles such as 60° or 45°.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Tangent Function
Trigonometric Identities

Formulas

Tangent subtraction identity: tan(x - y) = (tan(x) - tan(y)) / (1 + tan(x) * tan(y))
Tangent of known angles: tan(60°) = √3

Theorems

Tangent subtraction formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12