Math Problem Statement

Find tan θ, sec θ, and sin θ, where θ is the angle shown in the figure. Give exact values, not decimal approximations.

Solution

The given image shows a right triangle with a base of 7 units, a height of 8 units, and an unknown hypotenuse. We are tasked with finding the trigonometric values for tanθ\tan \theta, secθ\sec \theta, and sinθ\sin \theta, where θ\theta is the angle opposite the side of length 8.

Step 1: Find the Hypotenuse

We can use the Pythagorean theorem to find the hypotenuse cc, where: c=72+82=49+64=113c = \sqrt{7^2 + 8^2} = \sqrt{49 + 64} = \sqrt{113}

So the hypotenuse c=113c = \sqrt{113}.

Step 2: Calculate the Trigonometric Values

  1. tanθ\tan \theta (opposite over adjacent): tanθ=oppositeadjacent=87\tan \theta = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} = \frac{8}{7}

  2. secθ\sec \theta (hypotenuse over adjacent): secθ=hypotenuseadjacent=1137\sec \theta = \frac{\text{hypotenuse}}{\text{adjacent}} = \frac{\sqrt{113}}{7}

  3. sinθ\sin \theta (opposite over hypotenuse): sinθ=oppositehypotenuse=8113\sin \theta = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{8}{\sqrt{113}}

Final Answer:

  • tanθ=87\tan \theta = \frac{8}{7}
  • secθ=1137\sec \theta = \frac{\sqrt{113}}{7}
  • sinθ=8113\sin \theta = \frac{8}{\sqrt{113}}

Would you like more details on any step? Also, here are some follow-up questions for deeper understanding:

  1. How can we rationalize the denominator of sinθ\sin \theta?
  2. Can you derive cosθ\cos \theta from these values?
  3. What are the other trigonometric functions (cotθ\cot \theta, cscθ\csc \theta) for this triangle?
  4. How would you calculate θ\theta using an inverse trigonometric function?
  5. Why does the Pythagorean theorem apply to this scenario?

Tip: When working with trigonometric functions, always keep in mind which side corresponds to opposite, adjacent, and hypotenuse relative to the angle in question.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangle
Pythagorean Theorem

Formulas

Pythagorean Theorem: a^2 + b^2 = c^2
tan θ = opposite / adjacent
sec θ = hypotenuse / adjacent
sin θ = opposite / hypotenuse

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12