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Multiple Choice
Evaluate the expression. tan−1(−33)
A
6π
B
3π
C
−6π
D
−3π
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that the problem involves evaluating the inverse tangent function, \( \tan^{-1} \), which gives the angle whose tangent is the given value.
Recognize that \( \tan^{-1}(-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}) \) asks for the angle whose tangent is \( -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{3} \).
Recall that the tangent of \( \frac{\pi}{6} \) is \( \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} \), which is equivalent to \( \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3} \). Therefore, \( \tan^{-1}(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}) = \frac{\pi}{6} \).
Since the tangent function is negative in the fourth quadrant, the angle corresponding to \( \tan^{-1}(-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}) \) is \( -\frac{\pi}{6} \).
Conclude that the correct angle is \( -\frac{\pi}{6} \), as it is the angle in the fourth quadrant with the same reference angle as \( \frac{\pi}{6} \).