Precalculus (6th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 013421742X
ISBN 13: 978-0-13421-742-0

Chapter 5 - Trigonometric Functions - 5.3 Trigonometric Functions Values and Angle Measures - 5.3 Exercises - Page 533: 102

Answer

$120^{\circ}$ and $300^{\circ}$

Work Step by Step

$\cot\theta=-\frac{\sqrt 3}{3}$ $\tan\theta=\frac{1}{\cot\theta}=-\frac{3}{\sqrt 3}=-\sqrt 3$ The value of $\tan \theta$ is negative, so $\theta$ may lie in either quadrant II or IV. We know that $\tan 60^{\circ}=\sqrt 3$. Recall: $-\tan x= \tan(180^{\circ}-x)$ and $-\tan x= \tan(360^{\circ}-x)$ $\implies -\tan 60^{\circ}=-\sqrt {3}=\tan(180^{\circ}-60^{\circ})$ $=\tan 120^{\circ}$ $120^{\circ}$ which is in the second quadrant is one value of $\theta$. Now $-\tan 60^{\circ}=-\sqrt 3= \tan (360^{\circ}-60^{\circ})$ $=\tan 300^{\circ}$ $300^{\circ}$ is in the fourth quadrant. The values of $\theta$ are $ 120^{\circ}$ and $300^{\circ}$.
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