Finding primary trig ratios

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In summary, the question is asking for the primary trig ratios for (7π)/4. The attempt at a solution resulted in sin=(-√2)/2, cos=(√2)/2, tan=-1, csc=2/(-√2), sec=2/(√2), and cot=-1. However, the solutions suggest csc=-√2 and sec=√2, which can be achieved by rationalizing the denominators.
  • #1
Veronica_Oles
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Homework Statement


The question states to find the primary trig ratios for (7π)/4

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I got
sin= (-√2)/2
cos=(√2)/2
tan= -1
csc= 2/(-√2)
sec= 2/(√2)
cot= -1

I got all of them correct except for csc and sec, and I am unsure why the solutions are telling me
csc = -√2
sec = √2
I thought my original answers were correct because csc is reciprocal of sin and sec is reciprocal of cos.
Can someone help me make sense of this?
 
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  • #2
Write ##2= \sqrt{2}\,\cdot\,\sqrt{2}## and cancel one root factor.
 
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Veronica_Oles said:

Homework Statement


The question states to find the primary trig ratios for (7π)/4

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I got
sin= (-√2)/2
cos=(√2)/2
tan= -1
csc= 2/(-√2)
sec= 2/(√2)
cot= -1

I got all of them correct except for csc and sec, and I am unsure why the solutions are telling me
csc = -√2
sec = √2
I thought my original answers were correct because csc is reciprocal of sin and sec is reciprocal of cos.
Can someone help me make sense of this?
Rationalize the denominators.
 

1. What are the primary trig ratios?

The primary trigonometric ratios are sine, cosine, and tangent. These ratios represent the relationships between the sides of a right triangle and the angles within the triangle.

2. How do I find primary trig ratios?

The primary trig ratios can be found by using the following formulas:
Sine (sin) = opposite/hypotenuse
Cosine (cos) = adjacent/hypotenuse
Tangent (tan) = opposite/adjacent

3. What is the difference between primary and secondary trig ratios?

The primary trig ratios (sine, cosine, and tangent) are used to find the relationships between the sides and angles of a right triangle. Secondary trig ratios (cosecant, secant, and cotangent) are the reciprocals of the primary ratios.

4. Why are trig ratios important in mathematics?

Trig ratios are important in mathematics because they are used to solve problems involving triangles and angles. They are also used in fields such as engineering, physics, and astronomy.

5. How can I apply primary trig ratios in real-life situations?

Primary trig ratios can be applied in real-life situations such as measuring the height of a building, calculating distances between objects, and determining the angle of elevation or depression. They are also used in navigation and surveying.

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