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Tan = sin/cos

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This is often useful when solving trig equations so i thought i’d include it

basically:

sin = opp/hyp
and
cos=adj/hyp

so

sin/cos = (opp/hyp)/(adj/hyp)

so if we cancel the hyp’s we get

sin/cos = opp/adj

and since tan = opp/adj

tan = sin/cos

Categories: Trigonometry Tags: , , , ,
  1. December 19th, 2008 at 07:38 | #1

    Yes, I agree with your explanation about the usual definition of tangent function as tan(t) =sin(t)/cos(t) that obtained by using opp and adj of a triangle, and we find tan(pi/2)=1/0. But, another expression of the tangent function tan(t)=sin(2t)/[1+cos(2t)] can be created from arctangent differential equation dy/dt=1+y^2, with t(0)=0, and y(0)=0. Let substitute t=pi/2, we will find that tan(pi/2)=0/0. So, without L’Hospital I believe mathematics ever inexactly. How about you to the last statement.

  2. Denaya Lesa
    December 19th, 2008 at 12:25 | #2

    Apologize, I also met a similar question on this address from miss Nadya Fermega

    http://blueollie.wordpress.com/2008/12/13/how-to-succeed-in-calculus-class-and-why-it-is-worth-it/#comment-30790

    The question is how to prove that tan(x)=sin(x)/cos(x) from solution of dy/dx=1+y^2, with x(0)=0, and y(0)=0, but they did not give a respon. I am so very interested to this topic, but like miss Nadya I have also no idea to prove it. Thx for your help.

  3. Juliani
    December 19th, 2008 at 19:26 | #3

    Nadya, Denaya, and Rohedi.
    I believe the proof of tan=sin/cos and creating another expression of the tangent function tan(t)=sin(2t)/[1+cos(2t)] only can be performed if the arctangent differential equation is solved by a new technique. There is a new method so-called SMT (shortened from stable modulation technique). I know the smart method of solving first order ODE after visitng to this address : http://eqworld.ipmnet.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=34.
    I also saw at this address :
    http://masteranza.wordpress.com/2007/12/30/useful-tangent-triangle-identities/#comment-265
    about the equality of 0/0=1/0 as the proof that mathematics ever inexactly but it be saved by L’Hospital theory.

  4. Robert
    December 20th, 2008 at 22:22 | #4

    Thx for an excelent discussion

  5. antoni
    February 9th, 2009 at 01:30 | #5

    I’ve just known about tan(t)=sin(2t)/[1+cos(2t)], and of course mathematician like masteranza can prove easily using trig relation. But, how to create it using SMT. Sorry until now, I can’t not do it altough I’ve read the SMT’s explanation from this address : http://eqworld.ipmnet.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=34.Thx.

  6. Brandon
    March 7th, 2009 at 21:32 | #6

    I am fully agree with you antoni

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