A few more trig problems ( Sin(α + β), etc. )

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves trigonometric identities and functions, specifically focusing on the angles α and β, where sinα = 4/5 and tanβ = -3/4, with the constraints π/2 < α < β < π. The goal is to find various trigonometric values including sin(α + β), cos(α + β), and tan(α + β), as well as sin2α, cos2β, and tan2α.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss finding other trigonometric functions based on the given values and the quadrant constraints. There is an exploration of the implications of the angles being in the second quadrant, leading to questions about the signs of the trigonometric functions.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively questioning the correctness of their evaluations of the trigonometric functions based on the quadrant information. There is a recognition that the signs of the functions must be adjusted according to the quadrant, and some guidance has been offered regarding the implications of these adjustments.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the quadrant in which the angles lie, as it affects the signs of the trigonometric functions. There is a focus on ensuring that the evaluations align with the properties of the second quadrant.

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Homework Statement



Suppose sinα = 4/5 and tanβ= -3/4 where π/2 < α < β < π (pi)

Find:

Sin(α + β)

Cos(α + β)

Tan(α + β)

Sin2α

Cos2β

Tan2α

The Attempt at a Solution



What i have been doing is figuring out the other trig functions

They gave me sinα=4/5 and tanβ=-3/4

from that i found cosα=3/5 tanα=3/4 and sinβ=-3/5 cosβ=4/5

I tried problem a

sin(α+β)=sinαcosβ+cosαsinβ

sin(α+β)=4/5 * 4/5 + 3/5 * -3/5

which gives me 7/25 but I'm not sure I am doing this right... what is the whole (π/2 < α < β < π) thing about am I supposed to be finding points on the unit circle or something? =/
 
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The whole "π/2 < α < β < π (pi)" thing refers to the quadrant the terminal sides of angles α and β are in. So what quadrant is this? And how does this affect the evaluation of the trig functions? Because none of these:
rought said:
cosα=3/5 tanα=3/4 and sinβ=-3/5 cosβ=4/5
are correct.01
 
Last edited:
yeongil said:
The whole "π/2 < α < β < π (pi)" thing refers to the quadrant the terminal sides of angles α and β are in. So what quadrant is this? And how does this affect the evaluation of the trig functions? Because none of these:

are correct.


01

ahh Ok so it's in the second quadrant which makes the x negative and the y positive

so would that make

cosα=-3/5 tanα=-3/4 and sinβ=-3/5 cosβ=4/5

is this right?
 
From your given condition, both alpha and beta are in the 2nd quadrant, so how can sin(beta) be negative and how can cos(beta) be positive? If you have these wrong, you are liable to have the others (the tangents) wrong, too.
 
So would it be cosα = -3/5 tanα = -3/4 and sinβ = +3/5 cosβ = -4/5
 
Almost. The signs are correct, but double check tan α.


01
 

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