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Find the exact value of sec (theta) if cot (theta) = -2 and the terminal side of theta lies in quadrant IV.

a. sec (theta) = (-sqrt5)/2
b. sec (theta) = (sqrt5)/2
c. sec (theta) = -sqrt5
d. sec (theta) = sqrt5

2 Answers

0 votes

Answer:

B

Explanation:

User Nalo
by
5.7k points
4 votes
we know that
sec (theta)=1/cos (theta)

cot (theta) = -2
cot (theta)=cos (theta)/sin (theta)
cos (theta)/sin (theta)=-2----> squaring-----> cos² (theta)/sin² (theta)=4
remember that
sin
²(theta)+cos²(theta)=1
sin² (theta)=1-cos² (theta)
substitute
cos² (theta)/[1-cos² (theta)]=4
cos² (theta)=4*[1-cos² (theta)]-----> cos² (theta)+4 cos² (theta)=4
5*cos² (theta)=4-----> cos² (theta)=4/5----> cos (theta)=2/√5
cos (theta)=(2√5)/5-----> is positive (IV quadrant)
sec (theta)=1/cos (theta)----> √5/2

the answer is
sec (theta)=√5/2

User Akio
by
5.8k points