Question what-i

4.2 Right Triangles & Trigonometry - Trig ratios (sin, cos, tan) in right triangles
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What is the value of tan92π3?

A.

- 3

B.

- 3 3

C.

3 3

D.

3

What is the value of tan 92 π 3 ?

Hard-difficulty · SAT Math · Right Triangles & Trigonometry — Trig ratios (sin, cos, tan) in right triangles. Read the question above, select your answer, and check the full explanation below to understand exactly why the correct choice works.

Answer explanation

Choice A is correct. A trigonometric ratio can be found using the unit circle, that is, a circle with radius 1 unit. If a central angle of a unit circle in the xy-plane centered at the origin has its starting side on the positive x-axis and its terminal side intersects the circle at a point x,y, then the value of the tangent of the central angle is equal to the y-coordinate divided by the x-coordinate. There are 2 π radians in a circle. Dividing 92 π 3 by 2 π yields 926, which is equivalent to 15+23. It follows that on the unit circle centered at the origin in the xy-plane, the angle 92 π 3 is the result of 15 revolutions from its starting side on the positive x-axis followed by a rotation through 2 π 3 radians. Therefore, the angles 92 π 3 and 2 π 3 are coterminal angles and tan92π3 is equal to tan2π3. Since 2 π 3 is greater than π 2 and less than π , it follows that the terminal side of the angle is in quadrant Iwe and forms an angle of π 3 , or 60°, with the negative x-axis. Therefore, the terminal side of the angle intersects the unit circle at the point -12,32. It follows that the value of tan2π3 is 32-12, which is equivalent to - 3 . Therefore, the value of tan92π3 is - 3 .

Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of 1tan92π3, not tan92π3.

Choice C is incorrect. This is the value of 1tanπ3, not tan92π3.

Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of tanπ3, not tan92π3.