Find the solutions of the equation in the interval [−2𝜋, 2𝜋]. Use a graphing utility to verify your results. (Enter your answers as a comma-separated list.) tan(x) = −1

Answer 1

tan (x) = –1 [–2π, 2π]

Answer

–5π/4, –π/4, 3π/4, 7π/4

A way to think of the tangent function:

tan θ = –1 means sin θ = –cos θ which means y = –x

So the angles in the xy-plane formed by tan θ = –1

are that same as those formed by the line y = –x

In general, tan θ = m is a function giving the slope of

the line, passing through origin, y = mx