If cos(θ) = 4/5 and θ is acute, find sec(θ) and tan(θ).
Solution
Problem
If cos(θ) = 4/5 and θ is acute, find sec(θ) and tan(θ).
We are given:
cos(θ) = 4/5
Cosine is the ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse, so we can represent the right triangle with:
adjacent = 4
hypotenuse = 5
To find the opposite side, use the Pythagorean theorem:
opposite² + adjacent² = hypotenuse²
Substitute the known values:
opposite² + 4² = 5²
opposite² + 16 = 25
Subtract 16:
opposite² = 9
Because a side length is positive:
opposite = 3
Now find secant. Secant is the reciprocal of cosine:
sec(θ) = 1/cos(θ)
Therefore:
sec(θ) = 5/4
Next, tangent is opposite divided by adjacent:
tan(θ) = 3/4
Therefore, sec(θ) = 5/4 and tan(θ) = 3/4.
Result
sec(θ) = 5/4; tan(θ) = 3/4