Math Problem Statement

Use the unit circle to find the exact value of s that has the given circular function value in the given interval. State your answers in radians, using π as needed. [3π/2,2π]; tan(s)=-√3

Solution

We are tasked with finding the value of ss where tan(s)=3\tan(s) = -\sqrt{3}, and ss is in the interval [3π2,2π][ \frac{3\pi}{2}, 2\pi ]. We will use the unit circle to solve this.

Step 1: Understand the Tangent Value

The tangent function is the ratio of the sine to the cosine:

tan(s)=sin(s)cos(s)\tan(s) = \frac{\sin(s)}{\cos(s)}

We are given that tan(s)=3\tan(s) = -\sqrt{3}. From our knowledge of the unit circle, we know that the tangent of π3\frac{\pi}{3} is 3\sqrt{3}. So, we are looking for an angle where the tangent is 3-\sqrt{3}, which will be in the third or fourth quadrant, since the tangent is negative in those quadrants.

Step 2: Analyze the Interval

The interval [3π2,2π][ \frac{3\pi}{2}, 2\pi ] corresponds to the fourth quadrant on the unit circle. Therefore, we are looking for an angle in the fourth quadrant where the tangent is 3-\sqrt{3}.

Step 3: Identify the Angle

In the first quadrant, tan(π3)=3\tan(\frac{\pi}{3}) = \sqrt{3}. Since we need tan(s)=3\tan(s) = -\sqrt{3}, the corresponding angle in the fourth quadrant is:

s=2ππ3=6π3π3=5π3s = 2\pi - \frac{\pi}{3} = \frac{6\pi}{3} - \frac{\pi}{3} = \frac{5\pi}{3}

Step 4: Final Answer

Thus, the exact value of ss in the interval [3π2,2π][ \frac{3\pi}{2}, 2\pi ] where tan(s)=3\tan(s) = -\sqrt{3} is:

s=5π3s = \frac{5\pi}{3}

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to consider:

  1. How do you determine the sign of tangent in different quadrants?
  2. What is the relationship between sine, cosine, and tangent on the unit circle?
  3. How does the unit circle help in finding exact trigonometric values?
  4. Why is the tangent function positive in the first and third quadrants?
  5. What is the tangent of an angle in the second quadrant?

Tip: Memorizing key angles and their trigonometric values from the unit circle can greatly speed up solving problems like these!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Unit Circle
Tangent Function

Formulas

tan(s) = sin(s) / cos(s)
s = 2π - π/3

Theorems

Tangent values in different quadrants on the unit circle

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12