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Suppose that tan(x) = 21/20. Determine the value of tan(2x).

a) 42/39
b) 21/20
c) 420/399
d) 20/21

1 Answer

1 vote

Final answer:

The value of tan(2x), given tan(x) = 21/20, is found by applying the double-angle formula for tangent and simplifying the result, arriving at 420/399 (option c).

Step-by-step explanation:

The student asks about finding the value of tan(2x) given that tan(x) = 21/20. To solve this problem, we can use the double-angle formula for tangent, which is tan(2x) = 2tan(x) / (1 - tan2(x)). Substituting the given value into the formula, we get:

  • tan(2x) = 2(21/20) / (1 - (21/20)2)
  • tan(2x) = 42/20 / (1 - 441/400)
  • tan(2x) = 42/20 / (400/400 - 441/400)
  • tan(2x) = 42/20 / (-41/400)
  • tan(2x) = (42/20) * (400/(-41))
  • tan(2x) = 42 * 20 / 41
  • tan(2x) = 840/41
  • tan(2x) = 420/399 when simplified

The correct answer from the given options is therefore (c) 420/399.

User Damiaan
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