Use the given information a calculator to find 𝜃, to the nearest tenth of a degree, if 𝜃 is between 0° and 360°. cot 𝜃 = 0.9552 with 𝜃 in QIII

Question

Can you please explain what to plug into the calculator

Answer 1

cotx = 0.9552

tanx = 1/cotx = 1/0.9552 = 1.0469

x = tan^-1(1.0469) = 46.31 degrees

But you want quadrant III. so add 180 to get 226.31 degrees

You need a calculator with inverse trig functions.

some only have inverse tangent functions, but not inverse cotangent functions. IF that's what you have, then first find the inverse of cotx to get 1/cotx= tanx = 1/0.9552 = 1.0469

then punch in 1.0469, then take the inverse tangent of 1.0469

usually there's a "shift" key. Hit it, then hit the tangent key.

so punch in 1.0469, hit shift, hit tangent, then out pops the answer: 46.31 degrees. Unless the calculator is set up for radians. Usually it's set up for degrees.If it's set up for radians, you'll get 0.257 pi radians or 0.808 radians

then add 180 if you have 43.31 degrees

or add pi radians if you got a radian answer.

most calculators also have an inverse function. sometimes that also requires a shift key. It will say 1/x

plug in 2 and hit the inverse function and it gives 1/2. punch in the value of cotx, hit the inverse key and it spits out tanx.