95.8k views
5 votes
If cos 0=3/5, use the Pythagorean identities to find tan 0

2 Answers

4 votes

Hello!

The cosine is the adjacent side divided by the hypotenuse. If we are asked to use Pythagorean identities, we assume this is a right triangle and use the Pythagorean Theorem.

The tangent is the opposite side divided by the adjacent. This means it is something divided by 3. As 5 is the hypotenuse, we square it along with 3 and subtract.

25-9=16

√16=4

Therefore, tanΘ=4/3

I hope this helps!

User Cy Rossignol
by
8.4k points
3 votes

Cos Ф = 3/5

As we know by the trigonometric ratios

Cos Ф = adjacent /hypotenuese

So it means

adjacent /hypotenuese = 3/5

Which means adjacent = 3 and hypotenuese = 5

Now using Pythagorean theorem we can find the opposite side

So opposite ^2 + 3^2 = 5^2

Opposite^2 + 9 = 25

subtract 9 from both sides

Opposite^2 = 16

Opposite = 4

Now tan Ф = opposite/adjacent = 4/3

So

tan Ф = 4/3

User Gardith
by
8.1k points

No related questions found

Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.

9.4m questions

12.2m answers

Categories