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14 July, 18:14

If cosine of x equals 1 over 2, what is sin (x) and tan (x) ? Explain your steps in complete sentences.

So far, I found that adjacent=1 and hypotenuse=2, but I have no idea where to go from there

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  1. 14 July, 18:29
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    Sin² x+cos²x=1 ⇒sin x=⁺₋√ (1-cos² x)

    tan x=sin x / cos x

    sin x=⁺₋√ (1 - (1/2) ²) = ⁺₋√ (1-1/4) = ⁺₋√ (3/4) = ⁺₋√3 / 2

    so, sin x can be:

    sin x=-√3 / 2

    sin x=√3 / 2

    if sin x=-√3/2, then: tan x = (-√3/2) / 1/2=-√3.

    if sin x=√3/2; then tan x = (√3/2) / (1/2) = √3.

    Answer: if cos x=1/2; the sin of x can be equal to - √3 / 2 or √3 / 2; and tan x can be equal to - √3 or √3. it depends of the quadrant:

    First quadrant: cos x=1/2; sin x=√3 / 2; tan x=√3

    fourth quadrant: cos x=1/2; sin x=-√3 / 2; tan x=-√3
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