Math Problem Statement

Let θ be an angle such that tanθ = -3/8 and cosθ < 0. Find the exact values of secθ and sinθ.

Solution

Let's solve the given problem step-by-step:

We are given:

  • tanθ=38\tan \theta = -\frac{3}{8}
  • cosθ<0\cos \theta < 0

We need to find the exact values of secθ\sec \theta and sinθ\sin \theta.

Step 1: Identify the quadrant

Since tanθ=oppositeadjacent=38\tan \theta = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} = -\frac{3}{8} and cosθ<0\cos \theta < 0, we know that the angle θ\theta must be in the second quadrant, where tangent is negative and cosine is negative.

Step 2: Use the Pythagorean theorem to find the hypotenuse

We can use the relationship between the sides of a right triangle:

Hypotenuse2=Opposite2+Adjacent2\text{Hypotenuse}^2 = \text{Opposite}^2 + \text{Adjacent}^2

So, let’s calculate the hypotenuse:

r2=32+82=9+64=73r^2 = 3^2 + 8^2 = 9 + 64 = 73 r=73r = \sqrt{73}

Step 3: Find cosθ\cos \theta and sinθ\sin \theta

In the second quadrant:

  • cosθ=adjacenthypotenuse=873\cos \theta = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{-8}{\sqrt{73}}
  • sinθ=oppositehypotenuse=373\sin \theta = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{3}{\sqrt{73}}

Step 4: Find secθ\sec \theta

secθ=1cosθ=1873=738\sec \theta = \frac{1}{\cos \theta} = \frac{1}{\frac{-8}{\sqrt{73}}} = \frac{-\sqrt{73}}{8}

Thus: secθ=738\sec \theta = \frac{-\sqrt{73}}{8} sinθ=373\sin \theta = \frac{3}{\sqrt{73}}

These are the exact values for secθ\sec \theta and sinθ\sin \theta.


Do you need any further details on this solution? Here are some related questions:

  1. How do we use the Pythagorean identity to solve trigonometric problems?
  2. Why is cosine negative in the second quadrant?
  3. How can we rationalize a trigonometric expression involving a square root in the denominator?
  4. What are the characteristics of angles in different quadrants in the unit circle?
  5. Can we use this approach to find other trigonometric functions for θ\theta?

Tip: Always remember to check the quadrant when dealing with trigonometric problems, as it determines the signs of the trigonometric values.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangles
Trigonometric Functions

Formulas

Pythagorean theorem
secθ = 1/cosθ
tanθ = opposite/adjacent
sinθ = opposite/hypotenuse
cosθ = adjacent/hypotenuse

Theorems

Pythagorean identity

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12