Math Problem Statement

Find \(\sec \theta\) and \(\csc \theta\) for the given right triangle with sides of 6, 10, and an unknown adjacent side.

Solution

To find secθ\sec \theta and cscθ\csc \theta for the given right triangle, we can proceed as follows:

  1. The given triangle has:

    • Opposite side to θ\theta: 6
    • Hypotenuse: 10
    • Adjacent side to θ\theta: not given but can be calculated if needed.
  2. To find secθ\sec \theta and cscθ\csc \theta:

    • secθ=HypotenuseAdjacent\sec \theta = \frac{\text{Hypotenuse}}{\text{Adjacent}}
    • cscθ=HypotenuseOpposite\csc \theta = \frac{\text{Hypotenuse}}{\text{Opposite}}
  3. For cscθ\csc \theta: cscθ=106=53\csc \theta = \frac{10}{6} = \frac{5}{3}

  4. To find the adjacent side (since we need it for secθ\sec \theta), use the Pythagorean theorem: Adjacent2+62=102Adjacent2+36=100Adjacent=8\text{Adjacent}^2 + 6^2 = 10^2 \Rightarrow \text{Adjacent}^2 + 36 = 100 \Rightarrow \text{Adjacent} = 8

  5. For secθ\sec \theta: secθ=108=54\sec \theta = \frac{10}{8} = \frac{5}{4}

So, the answers are:

  • secθ=54\sec \theta = \frac{5}{4}
  • cscθ=53\csc \theta = \frac{5}{3}

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions for further exploration:

  1. How would you find tanθ\tan \theta and cotθ\cot \theta for the same triangle?
  2. Can you verify the values by calculating the approximate angle θ\theta itself?
  3. What would secθ\sec \theta and cscθ\csc \theta be if the triangle's hypotenuse were different?
  4. How do these ratios change if θ\theta is acute versus obtuse in other contexts?
  5. How can you use these trigonometric identities in real-world applications?

Tip: Always check if the sides satisfy the Pythagorean theorem to confirm it's a right triangle.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangles
Trigonometric Ratios

Formulas

\(\sec \theta = \frac{\text{Hypotenuse}}{\text{Adjacent}}\)
\(\csc \theta = \frac{\text{Hypotenuse}}{\text{Opposite}}\)
Pythagorean Theorem: \(a^2 + b^2 = c^2\)

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10