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

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving trigonometric problems involving angles α and β, where sinα = 4/5 and tanβ = -3/4, with the constraints π/2 < α < β < π. The correct evaluations of the trigonometric functions are crucial, particularly noting that both angles lie in the second quadrant. The correct values derived are cosα = -3/5, tanα = -3/4, sinβ = 3/5, and cosβ = -4/5. The signs of the trigonometric functions are essential due to the quadrant placement, affecting the calculations for sin(α + β), cos(α + β), and tan(α + β).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric functions and their relationships
  • Knowledge of the unit circle and angle quadrants
  • Familiarity with the sine and tangent addition formulas
  • Ability to manipulate and solve algebraic expressions involving trigonometric identities
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the sine addition formula in detail: sin(α + β) = sinαcosβ + cosαsinβ
  • Learn about the properties of angles in different quadrants, particularly the second quadrant
  • Explore the tangent addition formula: tan(α + β) = (tanα + tanβ) / (1 - tanαtanβ)
  • Practice solving trigonometric problems with varying angle constraints and quadrants
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Students studying trigonometry, educators teaching trigonometric identities, and anyone needing to solve problems involving angle relationships in the unit circle.

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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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