Question

Find cot theta if 180° < theta < 270° and cos theta = - sqrt 3/2

Answer 1

Answer:

cot theta = -√3

Step-by-step explanation:

we are given that  cos theta = - √3/2 within the range 180° < theta < 270° and

since cos theta = adj/hyp

adj = - √3

hyp = 2

Get the opposite using the pythagoras theorem

hyp^2 = opp^2 + adj^2

2² = opp² + (-√3)²

4 = opp² + 3

opp² = 4-3

opp² = 1

opp = 1

tan theta = opp/adj

tan theta = - 1/√3

Recall that cot theta = 1/tan theta

cot theta = 1/(-1/√3)

cot theta = -√3