Kennedy H.
asked • 07/16/16find value for sec theta when tan theta=-sqrt root 11 divided by 5, cos theta<0
find value for sec theta when tan theta=-sqrt root 11 divided by 5, cos theta<0
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1 Expert Answer
Nancy S. answered • 07/16/16
Tutor
New to Wyzant
30 years experience in College Prep math, SAT and ACT
If tanθ = -root 11/5, first draw a right triangle, lable θ. Since tan is opposite/adjacent, root 11 is opposite and 5 is adjacent.
Putting the numbers into Pythagorean theorem to find hypotenuse gives a hypotenuse of 6.
Cos is - (given), and is adj/hyp
Sec is the inverse of Cos which would then be hyp/adj
since hyp was solved to be 6, and adjacent was given to be 5,
Sec θ = -6/5
Kenneth S.
Nancy S says: Sec is the inverse of Cos which would then be hyp/adj
Be careful using the word inverse here, because there could be confusion [e.g. cos-1θ]. It's much better to say that SEC is the reciprocal of COS... (multiplicative inverse)
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07/16/16
Nancy S.
Ok thanks.
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07/16/16
Nancy S.
But you do agree with my answer?
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07/16/16
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Michael J.
07/16/16