SIN, COS, TAN question

kalyan601

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Apr 27, 2014
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"The angle θ is greater than 90◦ and less than 360◦ and cos θ =2/3. Find the exact value of tan θ."

So I have worked it out so far:
sin2 θ= 1- cos2 θ
since cos θ = 2/3
sin2 θ = 1- (2/3)2
sin2 θ= 5/9
sin θ= √5/3

sin
θ/cos θ = tan θ
√5/3 / 2/3 = √5/2

However when looking through the mark scheme, the answer is negative and I do not understand why. The working marks are all exactly as I did except for the answer which should be negative although mine is not. Can some one tell me why?

 
Last edited:
"The angle θ is greater than 90◦ and less than 360◦ and cos θ =2/3. Find the exact value of tan θ."

So I have worked it out so far:
sin2 θ= 1- cos2 θ
since cos θ = 2/3
sin2 θ = 1- (2/3)2
sin2 θ= 5/9
sin θ= ±√5/3.................... Here is the correction you need.

sin
θ/cos θ = tan θ
√5/3 / 2/3 = √5/2

However when looking through the mark scheme, the answer is negative and I do not understand why. The working marks are all exactly as I did except for the answer which should be negative although mine is not. Can some one tell me why?


You need to choose the negative value of sin(Θ) - because when 360°>Θ>90°, if cos(Θ)>0 → sin(Θ)<0 (in fourth quadrant).
 
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