Math Problem Statement

Given sin(\theta )=(1)/(10) and sec(\theta )<0, find tan(\theta )

Solution

We are given:

sin(θ)=110\sin(\theta) = \frac{1}{10} and sec(θ)<0.\sec(\theta) < 0.

Step 1: Analyze the given information

The condition sec(θ)<0\sec(\theta) < 0 implies that cos(θ)\cos(\theta) is negative, because sec(θ)=1cos(θ)\sec(\theta) = \frac{1}{\cos(\theta)}. This means θ\theta lies either in the second or third quadrant, where cos(θ)\cos(\theta) is negative.

Step 2: Use the Pythagorean identity

We can use the Pythagorean identity to find cos(θ)\cos(\theta). The identity is: sin2(θ)+cos2(θ)=1.\sin^2(\theta) + \cos^2(\theta) = 1. Substituting sin(θ)=110\sin(\theta) = \frac{1}{10}: (110)2+cos2(θ)=1,\left(\frac{1}{10}\right)^2 + \cos^2(\theta) = 1, 1100+cos2(θ)=1,\frac{1}{100} + \cos^2(\theta) = 1, cos2(θ)=11100,\cos^2(\theta) = 1 - \frac{1}{100}, cos2(θ)=99100.\cos^2(\theta) = \frac{99}{100}.

Step 3: Solve for cos(θ)\cos(\theta)

Now, take the square root of both sides: cos(θ)=±9910.\cos(\theta) = \pm \frac{\sqrt{99}}{10}.

Since we know that cos(θ)\cos(\theta) is negative (from the condition sec(θ)<0\sec(\theta) < 0), we have: cos(θ)=9910.\cos(\theta) = -\frac{\sqrt{99}}{10}.

Step 4: Find tan(θ)\tan(\theta)

The tangent function is given by: tan(θ)=sin(θ)cos(θ).\tan(\theta) = \frac{\sin(\theta)}{\cos(\theta)}. Substitute the known values of sin(θ)\sin(\theta) and cos(θ)\cos(\theta): tan(θ)=1109910=199.\tan(\theta) = \frac{\frac{1}{10}}{-\frac{\sqrt{99}}{10}} = -\frac{1}{\sqrt{99}}.

Thus, the value of tan(θ)\tan(\theta) is: tan(θ)=199.\tan(\theta) = -\frac{1}{\sqrt{99}}.

Do you want further details or have any questions? Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. What are the values of sine and cosine in different quadrants?
  2. How is the tangent function related to sine and cosine?
  3. How would the value of tan(θ)\tan(\theta) change if sec(θ)\sec(\theta) were positive?
  4. Can you derive sec(θ)\sec(\theta) from the result of cos(θ)\cos(\theta)?
  5. What is the exact value of 99\sqrt{99} to simplify the expression for tan(θ)\tan(\theta)?

Tip: When solving trigonometric equations, always analyze the quadrant to determine the sign of the functions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Quadrants
Tangent Function

Formulas

sin²(θ) + cos²(θ) = 1
sec(θ) = 1/cos(θ)
tan(θ) = sin(θ) / cos(θ)

Theorems

Pythagorean Identity

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12