given that angle A is in quadrant 4, and cosA= 1/3. find cotA?

Question

math&ing001 · Answer

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anonymous · Answer

would it be - sqrt2 over 4?

campbell_st · Answer

well look it it this way 

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campbell_st · Answer

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when you have a 

find 

tan(A)  using the information then take the reciprocal to find cot(A)

anonymous · Answer

so it would be - sqrt 2 over 4 right?

campbell_st · Answer

well 

$$a = -2\sqrt{2}$$

and now 

$$\tan(A) = -\frac{2\sqrt{2}}{1}$$

find the reciprocal for cot(A)

campbell_st · Answer

so your answer is correct after the denominator has been rationalised

anonymous · Answer

oh so it woulbe be 2 sqrt 2 over 4?

campbell_st · Answer

opps... mucked that up... should be 

$$\cot(A) = -\frac{1}{2 \sqrt{2}}$$

rationalising 

$$\cot(A) = -\frac{1}{2\sqrt{2}} \times \frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}} = - \frac{\sqrt{2}}{4}$$

anonymous · Answer

got it! thank you so much!

campbell_st · Answer

hopefully I didn't confuse you to much

anonymous · Answer

no i got it :) thanks!