Question

The point P(3, 4) is on the terminal side of θ. Evaluate tan θ.

Answer 1

The terminal side of an angle means that if one ray is on the x-axis, the other ray forming the angle theta is theta degrees above the x-axis. Therefore, you can plot the point (3,4) and form a triangle by connecting it to the origin (forming the angle theta with the x-axis) and drawing a line perpendicular to the x-axis. This forms a right triangle with the sides 3,4,5.

Since this is a right triangle, tan theta would merely be opposite/adjacent. Therefore, tan θ=4/3

Answer 2

This might be confusing.