Mathematics

Mathematics

Problem

If cos⁡x=−817\cos x = -\dfrac{8}{17} and xx lies in the third quadrant, determine: a. (i) sin⁡x\sin x b. (ii) tan⁡x\tan x
Intuitive explanation

The key is using the Pythagorean identity sin⁡2x+cos⁡2x=1\sin^2 x + \cos^2 x = 1 to find sin⁡x\sin x, then leveraging the quadrant rule to pick the correct sign. Since xx is in the third quadrant, both sine and cosine are negative—this constraint eliminates ambiguity when you solve for sin⁡x\sin x. Once you have both, you can find any other trig ratio like tan⁡x\tan x or sec⁡x\sec x by definition.

Intuitive explanation

The key is using the Pythagorean identity sin⁡2x+cos⁡2x=1\sin^2 x + \cos^2 x = 1 to find sin⁡x\sin x, then leveraging the quadrant rule to pick the correct sign. Since xx is in the third quadrant, both sine and cosine are negative—this constraint eliminates ambiguity when you solve for sin⁡x\sin x. Once you have both, you can find any other trig ratio like tan⁡x\tan x or sec⁡x\sec x by definition.

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