Chapter 11: Problem 30
Use a calculator and reciprocal relationships to find each ratio correct to four decimal places. $$\cot 67^{\circ}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The value of \( \cot 67^{\circ} \) is approximately 0.4245.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Cotangent and Reciprocal Relationship
The cotangent of an angle in a right triangle is the reciprocal of the tangent of that angle. That is, \( \cot \theta = \frac{1}{\tan \theta} \). In this exercise, you need to find \( \cot 67^{\circ} \).
02
Use Calculator to Find Tangent of 67°
Use a scientific calculator to find \( \tan 67^{\circ} \). Make sure your calculator is set to degree mode. After calculation, \( \tan 67^{\circ} \approx 2.3559 \).
03
Calculate the Cotangent
Since \( \cot 67^{\circ} = \frac{1}{\tan 67^{\circ}} \), compute the cotangent using the value obtained in Step 2: \( \cot 67^{\circ} = \frac{1}{2.3559} \approx 0.4245 \).
04
Verify the Result
Confirm the correctness of the result by using the reciprocal relation directly on a calculator: \( \frac{1}{2.3559} = 0.4245 \). The calculated value checks out.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Reciprocal Relationships
Reciprocal relationships in trigonometry help us connect different trigonometric functions. A reciprocal is simply the flipped version of a number or function. In simpler terms, for a given number, its reciprocal is one divided by that number.
For trigonometric functions like tangent and cotangent, this means:
For trigonometric functions like tangent and cotangent, this means:
- The cotangent of an angle is the reciprocal of the tangent of that angle.
- Expressed in a formula: if \( \tan \theta \) is a function, then \( \cot \theta = \frac{1}{\tan \theta} \).
Cotangent
Cotangent is one of the primary trigonometric functions. It relates the two sides of a right triangle in relation to a given angle. The cotangent of an angle in a right triangle is the ratio of the length of the adjacent side to the length of the opposite side.
Mathematically, cotangent is expressed as:
Mathematically, cotangent is expressed as:
- \( \cot \theta = \frac{adjacent}{opposite} \)
- Alternatively, as a reciprocal: \( \cot \theta = \frac{1}{\tan \theta} \)
Tangent
The tangent function is essential in the field of trigonometry. It helps describe the relationship between the sides of a right triangle. Specifically, the tangent of an angle is the ratio of the length of the opposite side to the length of the adjacent side.
Its formula is:
Its formula is:
- \( \tan \theta = \frac{opposite}{adjacent} \)
Scientific Calculator
A scientific calculator is a vital tool for solving trigonometric problems efficiently. These calculators can compute various trigonometric functions, including tangent and cotangent, by performing complex calculations with precision.
Steps to use a scientific calculator for trigonometry include:
Steps to use a scientific calculator for trigonometry include:
- Ensure your calculator is set to degree mode, not radians, unless required otherwise.
- Enter the tangent function by using functions often labeled as \( \tan \).
- Calculate cotangent using the reciprocal function, \( \cot \theta = \frac{1}{\tan \theta} \), sometimes labeled as a reciprocal or \( 1/x \).