Trigonometry 7th Edition

Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 10: 1111826854
ISBN 13: 978-1-11182-685-7

Chapter 2 - Section 2.2 - Calculators and Trigonometric Functions of an Acute Angle - 2.2 Problem Set - Page 72: 83

Answer

The calculator displays an error message. This is because ratio tangent is not defined for angle $90^{\circ}$.

Work Step by Step

In degree mode, the calculator on pressing $90$ first and then $tan$, displays an error message. Let's try finding value of $\tan 90^{\circ}$ by an alternate method- $\tan 90^{\circ}$ = $\frac{\sin 90^{\circ}}{\cos 90^{\circ}}$ (ratio identity) Now from table, substituting the values of $\sin 90^{\circ}$ and $\cos 90^{\circ}$- $\tan 90^{\circ}$ = $\frac{1}{0}$ Thus $\tan 90^{\circ}$ becomes undefined because division by zero is not defined. Calculators are also programmed accordingly.
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