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if cos(x)=1/2, how do i find sin and tan?

 Apr 7, 2017

Best Answer 

 #1
avatar+9460 
+3

Here is a drawing of what cos(x)= 1/2 really means:

 

 

We can find sin(x) just using the Pythagorean Theorem.

 

\((\frac12)^2+(\sin (x))^2=1^2 \\~\\ \mathbf{sin(x)}=\sqrt{1-\frac14}=\sqrt{\frac34}\mathbf{=\frac{\sqrt3}{2}}\)

 

 

tan = sin / cos, so...

 

tan(x) = sin(x) / cos(x) = \(\frac{\sqrt3}{2}\div\frac{1}{2}=\frac{\sqrt3}{2}\cdot\frac{2}{1}\mathbf{=\sqrt3}\)

 Apr 8, 2017
edited by hectictar  Apr 8, 2017
 #1
avatar+9460 
+3
Best Answer

Here is a drawing of what cos(x)= 1/2 really means:

 

 

We can find sin(x) just using the Pythagorean Theorem.

 

\((\frac12)^2+(\sin (x))^2=1^2 \\~\\ \mathbf{sin(x)}=\sqrt{1-\frac14}=\sqrt{\frac34}\mathbf{=\frac{\sqrt3}{2}}\)

 

 

tan = sin / cos, so...

 

tan(x) = sin(x) / cos(x) = \(\frac{\sqrt3}{2}\div\frac{1}{2}=\frac{\sqrt3}{2}\cdot\frac{2}{1}\mathbf{=\sqrt3}\)

hectictar Apr 8, 2017
edited by hectictar  Apr 8, 2017
 #2
avatar+128053 
+2

cos    = x / r      sin  = y / r   and tan  = y / x

 

We know x and r and we need to find y =  sqrt (r^2 - x^2)  = sqrt (2^2 - 1^2) =

sqrt (4 - 1)   =  sqrt (3)

 

So

 

sin (x)  = y/r =  sqrt (3) / 2       and tan (x) = y/x   =  sqrt (3)  / 1  = sqrt (3)

 

 

cool cool cool 

 Apr 8, 2017
 #3
avatar+4609 
0

sqrt3

 Apr 8, 2017
 #4
avatar+312 
+2

You forgot a solution. If cos(x)=1/2 then sin(x)=(3/4)1/2 OR sin(x)=-(3/4)1/2

 

That means tan(x)=-(31/2) OR tan(x)=31/2

 Apr 8, 2017

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