Given the triangle below, determine the missing side(s) without using the Pythagorean theorem (make sure your answer is fully simplified).
Table of contents
- 0. Functions4h 53m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation2h 18m
- 4. Derivatives of Exponential & Logarithmic Functions1h 16m
- 5. Applications of Derivatives2h 19m
- 6. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 0m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals48m
- 8. Definite Integrals4h 36m
- 9. Graphical Applications of Integrals1h 43m
- 10. Integrals of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions21m
- 11. Techniques of Integration2h 7m
- 12. Trigonometric Functions6h 54m
- Angles29m
- Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles1h 8m
- Solving Right Triangles23m
- Trigonometric Functions on the Unit Circle1h 19m
- Graphs of Sine & Cosine46m
- Graphs of Other Trigonometric Functions32m
- Trigonometric Identities52m
- Derivatives of Trig Functions42m
- Integrals of Basic Trig Functions28m
- Integrals of Other Trig Functions10m
- 13: Intro to Differential Equations2h 23m
- 14. Sequences & Series2h 8m
- 15. Power Series2h 19m
- 16. Probability & Calculus45m
12. Trigonometric Functions
Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles
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If tanθ=512, find the values of the five other trigonometric functions. Rationalize the denominators if necessary.
A
sinθ=1312,cosθ=135,cotθ=125,secθ=513,cscθ=1213
B
sinθ=135,cosθ=1312,cotθ=125,secθ=1213,cscθ=513
C
sinθ=1312,cosθ=135,cotθ=−125,secθ=−513,cscθ=−1213
D
sinθ=135,cosθ=1312,cotθ=−125,secθ=−1213,cscθ=−513

1
Step 1: Recall the definition of tangent in terms of a right triangle. Tangent is defined as the ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side: tan(θ) = opposite/adjacent. From the problem, tan(θ) = 12/5, so the opposite side is 12 and the adjacent side is 5.
Step 2: Use the Pythagorean theorem to find the hypotenuse of the triangle. The Pythagorean theorem states that hypotenuse² = opposite² + adjacent². Substituting the values, hypotenuse² = 12² + 5². Solve for the hypotenuse.
Step 3: Once the hypotenuse is found, calculate sin(θ) and cos(θ). Sine is defined as sin(θ) = opposite/hypotenuse, and cosine is defined as cos(θ) = adjacent/hypotenuse. Substitute the values of the opposite, adjacent, and hypotenuse to find sin(θ) and cos(θ).
Step 4: Use the reciprocal identities to find the remaining trigonometric functions. The reciprocal of sine is cosecant (csc(θ) = 1/sin(θ)), the reciprocal of cosine is secant (sec(θ) = 1/cos(θ)), and the reciprocal of tangent is cotangent (cot(θ) = 1/tan(θ)). Substitute the values of sin(θ), cos(θ), and tan(θ) to find csc(θ), sec(θ), and cot(θ).
Step 5: Simplify all fractions and rationalize the denominators if necessary. Ensure that all trigonometric function values are expressed in their simplest form, and confirm that the signs of the functions are consistent with the quadrant in which θ lies.
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