Trig, find tan A and tan B (no numbers given)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding the tangent values of angles A and B in a right triangle with sides represented as lengths a = t, b = k, and hypotenuse = p. The primary formula used is \(\tan A = \frac{opp}{adj}\), leading to the relationships \(\tan A = \frac{t}{k}\) and \(\tan B = \frac{k}{t}\). The participants conclude that without specific numerical values for t and k, the tangent values can vary widely, emphasizing the relationship \(\tan A = 1/\tan B\).

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Homework Statement



Find tan A, tan B

I have a right angle triangle. Length a = t, length b = k, hypotenuse = p.

The Attempt at a Solution



Usually I would just use the normal rule of \tan a =\frac{opp}{adj} but how can I get an answer here? I can't just say \tan a =\frac{t}{k} because this makes no sense.

The only thing I can think of is say the answer is 1. Or tan a = 45, tan b = 45.
 
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If this is really all you were given, then that is all you can do. The answer cannot possibly be 1 because there is nothing in the problem barring you from making t=2 and k=1, making tan A = 2 (indeed, you could fix it so tan A = any number you want).
 
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Question 6 is the one relating to my original question.
 
Seems to me like all you can do it get the quotients you gave in the first post :)
 
I think your teacher was trying to get you to show that

tanA = 1/tanB

tanA = t/k

tanB = k/t
 
Chestermiller said:
I think your teacher was trying to get you to show that

tanA = 1/tanB

tanA = t/k

tanB = k/t

This. :wink:
 

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