Find exact value difference identity

AI Thread Summary
To find the exact value of Tan(3/4 - 12/5), the formula tan(x-y) = (tan(3/4) - tan(12/5)) / (1 + tan(3/4)tan(12/5) can be applied. The user expresses confusion about obtaining exact values for the tangent ratios and considers simply subtracting the angles to find tan(-33/20). There is a suggestion that the exact answer may actually be the negative tangent value obtained. The discussion highlights the challenge of calculating exact trigonometric values under pressure. Ultimately, the user reflects on possibly overcomplicating the problem.
synergix
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Homework Statement


Find the exact value of the expression Tan(3/4-12/5)

Homework Equations



tan(x-y)= (tan3/4 -tan12/5)/ (1+tan3/4tan12/5)

The Attempt at a Solution



I am not sure how to get exact values for these ratios. I haven't been able to get past this point
 
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synergix said:
Find the exact value of the expression Tan(3/4-12/5)

Hi synergix! :smile:

Why can't you just subtract 12/5 from 3/4, and then look up the tan? :confused:
 
I amnot sure what you mean by look up the tan. I get tan(-33/20) when I subtract them. I can get the answer just not the exact answer.
 
uhhhh... I guess that would be the exact answer... maybe I have confused myself haha.. I'm under a bit of pressure right now to get this done perhaps I have overcomplicated this
 
he he :biggrin:
 
I picked up this problem from the Schaum's series book titled "College Mathematics" by Ayres/Schmidt. It is a solved problem in the book. But what surprised me was that the solution to this problem was given in one line without any explanation. I could, therefore, not understand how the given one-line solution was reached. The one-line solution in the book says: The equation is ##x \cos{\omega} +y \sin{\omega} - 5 = 0##, ##\omega## being the parameter. From my side, the only thing I could...
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