Find cos theta and tan theta using sin theta

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    Cos Sin Tan Theta
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the values of cos θ and tan θ given that sin θ = 4/5. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and application of trigonometric identities within the context of a right triangle.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for help in finding cos θ and tan θ based on the given sin θ value.
  • Another participant explains the relationship between sine, cosine, and tangent in a right triangle and prompts for the length of the adjacent side.
  • A subsequent reply applies the Pythagorean theorem to find the adjacent side, concluding that cos θ = 3/5 and tan θ = 4/3.
  • Some participants affirm the calculations as correct.
  • However, one participant introduces the possibility that the angle could be in the second quadrant, suggesting that the cosine and tangent values might be negative, indicating the need for both positive and negative answers depending on the quadrant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is general agreement on the calculations provided, but a disagreement arises regarding the quadrant of the angle, leading to multiple views on the signs of the trigonometric values.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the ambiguity regarding the quadrant in which the angle lies, which affects the signs of the cosine and tangent values.

mathlearn
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If sin $$\theta$$ =$$\frac{4}{5}$$ , find cos $$\theta$$ and tan $$\theta$$

Can you help me to solve. :)

Many thanks :)
 
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Re: Find cos theta and tan theta using sin thetha

mathlearn said:
If sin $$\theta$$ =$$\frac{4}{5}$$ , find cos $$\theta$$ and tan $$\theta$$

Can you help me to solve. :)

Many thanks :)

Hey mathlearn! ;)

The sine is the opposite side divided by the hypotenuse.
What would be the length of the adjacent side, knowing we have a right triangle?
And what would then be the cosine respectively the tangent?
 
Re: Find cos theta and tan theta using sin thetha

:)

mathlearn said:
If sin $$\theta$$ =$$\frac{4}{5}$$ , find cos $$\theta$$ and tan $$\theta$$

sin $$\theta$$ = $$\frac{opposite side}{hypotenuese}$$

$$\therefore sin $$ $$\theta$$ =$$\frac{4}{5}$$

So applying Pythagoras theorem

Hypotenuse2 = opposite side 2 + adjacent side2

$$5^{2}$$ = $$4^{2}$$ + $$ adjacent side^{2}$$

$$25$$ = $$16$$ + $$ adjacent side^{2}$$

$$25$$ - $$16$$= $$ adjacent side^{2}$$

$$9$$= $$ adjacent side^{2}$$

$$\sqrt{9}$$= $$ \sqrt{adjacent side^{2}}$$

$$3$$= $$adjacent side$$

$$\therefore cos \theta$$ = $$\frac{adjacent side}{hypotenuse }$$$$\therefore cos \theta$$ = $$\frac{3}{5}$$

and

$$\therefore tan \theta$$ = $$\frac{opposite side}{adjacent side}$$

$$\therefore tan \theta$$ = $$\frac{4}{3}$$

Correct I Guess?

Many Thanks :)
 
Yep. All correct. (Nod)
 
I like Serena said:
Yep. All correct. (Nod)

Actually, it's possible that the angle could be in the second quadrant, in which case the cosine and tangent values would be negative.

Without any information about which quadrant the angle lies, you would need to write both the positive and negative answers.
 

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