Right Triangle = Cofunction identities to find the value of each expression

Question

Do NOT use a calculator

Find

1. sec 27 degrees over csc 63 degrees
2. Given cot 49 degrees = 0.8693, find tan 41 degrees

Where to begin?

Answer 1

desmos.com/calculator/pja3bm0g2c

The above graph confirms the answers shown in the video. Note that Desmos has been placed in degree mode for the above graph by clicking the wrench icon in the upper right-hand corner and selecting degrees.

Answer 2

sec27/csc63

= 1/cos27/1/sin63

= sin63/cos27

=sin(90-27)/cos27

= cos27/cos27

= 1

tan 41 = cot(90-41)=cot49= .8693

Answer 3

Begin with the angles you're given--they're complements of each other!

27 + 63 = 90

41 + 49 = 90

Then, break down your functions into sines and cosines:

secθ = 1/cosθ

cotθ=1/tanθ (you can stop here, or break the cotangent and tangent into sines and cosines, too)

Since your angles are complements of each other, you will probably need to know your trig identities--specifically, sin(90-θ), etc.