Chapter 4: Problem 18
Use a sum or difference formula to find the exact value of the given trigonometric function. Do not use a calculator. $$ \tan 195^{\circ} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The exact value of \( \tan 195^{\circ} \) is \( 2 - \sqrt{3} \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify Angle Pair
To find \( \tan 195^{\circ} \), recognize that \( 195^{\circ} \) can be written as \( 180^{\circ} + 15^{\circ} \). This equation is suitable for a sum formula.
02
Use the Sum Formula
Use the tangent sum formula: \( \tan(a + b) = \frac{\tan a + \tan b}{1 - \tan a \tan b} \). Here, \( a = 180^{\circ} \) and \( b = 15^{\circ} \).
03
Evaluate Tangent Values
Evaluate the tangent values: \( \tan 180^{\circ} = 0 \) and \( \tan 15^{\circ} = 2 - \sqrt{3} \). These are known values of tangent for special angles.
04
Substitute Values into the Formula
Substitute the values into the formula: \( \tan(180^{\circ} + 15^{\circ}) = \frac{\tan 180^{\circ} + \tan 15^{\circ}}{1 - \tan 180^{\circ} \tan 15^{\circ}} = \frac{0 + (2 - \sqrt{3})}{1 - 0 \cdot (2 - \sqrt{3})} \).
05
Simplify the Expression
Simplify the expression: \( \frac{2 - \sqrt{3}}{1} = 2 - \sqrt{3} \). Thus, the exact value is \( 2 - \sqrt{3} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Tangent Sum Formula
The tangent sum formula is a very important tool in trigonometry. It allows us to find the tangent of a sum or a difference of two angles. This formula is expressed as: \ \( \tan(a + b) = \frac{\tan a + \tan b}{1 - \tan a \tan b} \). \ This formula is immensely helpful in simplifying complex angle computations, making it possible to find the value of a tangent function without a calculator. \
- For example, when confronted with an angle like \( \tan 195^\circ \), the sum formula helps us by rewriting this as the sum \( 180^\circ + 15^\circ \).
- By breaking down such an angle into familiar components, solving becomes a lot easier and requires less memorization of specific angle values.
Special Angles
Special angles are specific degree measures that are commonly encountered in trigonometry. \ These include angles such as \( 0^\circ, 30^\circ, 45^\circ, 60^\circ, \text{and} \, 90^\circ \). \ These angles have known exact trigonometric values, making them very useful for calculations without a calculator. \
- For instance, in solving for \( \tan 195^\circ \), we see that it's beneficial to use \( 180^\circ \), a special angle with the value of \( \tan 180^\circ = 0 \).
- The angle \( 15^\circ \) itself is not a standard special angle, but its value, \( \tan 15^\circ = 2 - \sqrt{3} \), is derived from combinations of special angles.
Exact Trigonometric Values
Exact trigonometric values are those that can be precisely calculated without approximation. These include values for angles like \( 30^\circ \) where \( \sin 30^\circ = \frac{1}{2} \) or \( \cos 60^\circ = \frac{1}{2} \), and so on. \ Such values are essential in trigonometry as they form the basis for calculating other more complex angles. \
- For example, \( \tan 15^\circ = 2 - \sqrt{3} \) is an exact value that can be very handy.
- Almost every problem involving real-world applications relies on these exact values to ensure precision and accuracy.