Question

Explain the difference between using the tangent ratio to solve for a missing angle in a right triangle versus using the cotangent ratio. You must use complete sentences and any evidence needed (such as an example) to prove your point of view.

Answer 1

@nirmalnema PLEASE HELP ME

Answer 2

@ikram002p THANKS SO MUCH

Answer 3

let us have this right angle

Answer 4

ok

Answer 5

so if u need to find angle B , and you know measure of sides a,b

how would u find it ?

Answer 6

tan B =c/b

or

cot B = b/c

Answer 7

cot?

Answer 8

no! tan

Answer 9

whe u start with finding tangent ratio ,
tan B =c/b

B =tan^-1 (c/b)


how ever if u wanna use cotangent ratio
cot B = b/c
B =cot^-1 b/c

or

note that cot B= 1/ tan B , so
cot B=1/tan B = 1/b/c =c/b
thus
b=tan^-1 (c/b)

@ganeshie8 is there anything we should explain ?

Answer 10

So how could I explain that in words? I still don't understand a lot of it.

Answer 11

There is not much difference because both ratios require you to know the same sides (opposite and adjacent) :

tan(B) = opposite/adjacent
cot(B) = adjacent/opposite

So the only difference is that one ratio is the reciprocal of the other ratio...

Answer 12

Thank you! :)

Answer 13

oh ic ,but i would say using tan is much better since maybe u use calculator , so u would reduce one step ?!

Answer 14

yes you should add that step also... because calculators come with tan ratio only

Answer 15

yeah i guess , idk about new calculators though