Math Problem Statement

solve (-pi/2)

Solution

To solve tan(π2)\tan\left(-\frac{\pi}{2}\right), let's break down the process:

  1. Identify the angle: π2 radians-\frac{\pi}{2} \text{ radians}

  2. Understand the angle position: The angle π2-\frac{\pi}{2} corresponds to a clockwise rotation of π2\frac{\pi}{2} radians (or 90 degrees) from the positive x-axis.

  3. Evaluate the tangent at this angle: The tangent function is undefined at θ=±π2\theta = \pm \frac{\pi}{2} because the tangent of an angle is the ratio of the sine to the cosine, and cos(±π2)=0\cos\left(\pm\frac{\pi}{2}\right) = 0. This makes the tangent function undefined since division by zero is not allowed.

So, the solution is: tan(π2) is undefined.\tan\left(-\frac{\pi}{2}\right) \text{ is undefined.}

Would you like more details on any step, or do you have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions you might find interesting:

  1. Why is the tangent function undefined at θ=π2\theta = \frac{\pi}{2}?
  2. What is sin(π2)\sin\left(-\frac{\pi}{2}\right)?
  3. How do you graph the tangent function over one period?
  4. What are the values of tan(θ)\tan(\theta) at key angles like 00, π4\frac{\pi}{4}, and π2\frac{\pi}{2}?
  5. How does the tangent function behave as θ\theta approaches π2\frac{\pi}{2}?

Tip: When solving trigonometric functions, remember that tan(θ)\tan(\theta) is undefined where cos(θ)=0\cos(\theta) = 0.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry

Formulas

Tangent function definition

Theorems

Trigonometric function properties

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12