In Exercises 83–94, use a right triangle to write each expression as an algebraic expression. Assume that x is positive and that the given inverse trigonometric function is defined for the expression in x.tan (cos⁻¹ x)
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Start by understanding that \( \cos^{-1}(x) \) represents an angle \( \theta \) such that \( \cos(\theta) = x \).
Consider a right triangle where \( \theta \) is one of the angles. Since \( \cos(\theta) = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}} \), set the adjacent side to \( x \) and the hypotenuse to 1.
Use the Pythagorean theorem to find the opposite side: \( \text{opposite} = \sqrt{1^2 - x^2} = \sqrt{1 - x^2} \).
Now, find \( \tan(\theta) \) which is \( \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} = \frac{\sqrt{1 - x^2}}{x} \).
Therefore, \( \tan(\cos^{-1}(x)) \) can be expressed as \( \frac{\sqrt{1 - x^2}}{x} \).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Inverse trigonometric functions, such as cos⁻¹ (arccosine), are used to find angles when the value of a trigonometric function is known. For example, if cos(θ) = x, then θ = cos⁻¹(x). Understanding how to interpret these functions is crucial for solving problems involving angles and their relationships to side lengths in right triangles.
In a right triangle, the relationships between the angles and sides are defined by trigonometric ratios: sine, cosine, and tangent. For instance, if we know an angle θ, the tangent of θ is the ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side. This concept is essential for converting inverse trigonometric functions into algebraic expressions involving the sides of a triangle.
Trigonometric identities are equations that involve trigonometric functions and are true for all values of the variables involved. Key identities, such as tan(θ) = sin(θ)/cos(θ), allow us to manipulate and simplify expressions involving trigonometric functions. Recognizing and applying these identities is vital for transforming expressions like tan(cos⁻¹(x)) into algebraic forms.