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Find the exact values of cosθ if cscθ=5/2.

User MohK
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

To find cosθ with cscθ being 5/2, we use the Pythagorean identity. With sinθ as 2/5, cosθ is found to be ±√21/5 as the exact values.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the exact values of cosθ if cscθ=5/2, we can use trigonometric identities and relationships. The cosecant function is the reciprocal of the sine function, so cscθ=5/2 implies that sinθ=2/5. To find cosθ, we can use the Pythagorean identity sin²θ + cos²θ = 1. Substituting sinθ=2/5 into the identity, we get (2/5)² + cos²θ = 1. Solving for cosθ yields:

  • cos²θ = 1 - (2/5)²
  • cos²θ = 1 - 4/25
  • cos²θ = 21/25
  • cosθ = ±√(21/25)
  • cosθ = ±√21/5

Hence, the exact values of cosθ are ±√21/5.

User Lew Winczynski
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