For the expression below, write an equivalent algebraic expression that involves x only. (Assume x is positive.) sec(cos-15)

Trigonometry (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134217437
Author:Margaret L. Lial, John Hornsby, David I. Schneider, Callie Daniels
Publisher:Margaret L. Lial, John Hornsby, David I. Schneider, Callie Daniels
Chapter1: Trigonometric Functions
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RE: 1. Give the measures of the complement and the supplement of an angle measuring 35°.
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For the expression below, write an equivalent algebraic expression that involves x only. (Assume x is positive.)
sec(cos−1(5/x))

### Simplifying Trigonometric Expressions

**Problem Statement:**

For the expression below, write an equivalent algebraic expression that involves \( x \) only. (Assume \( x \) is positive):

\[ \sec \left( \cos^{-1} \left( \frac{5}{x} \right) \right) \]

### Steps to Solve:

Let's break this down and find an equivalent expression:

1. **Basic Identities:**
   - Recall that \(\cos^{-1} z\) gives an angle \(\theta\) such that \(\cos \theta = z\).
   - The \(\sec\) function is the reciprocal of the \(\cos\) function: \(\sec \theta = \frac{1}{\cos \theta}\).

2. **Substitution for Clarity:**
   - Let \(\theta = \cos^{-1} \left( \frac{5}{x} \right)\).
   - Therefore, \(\cos \theta = \frac{5}{x}\).

3. **Simplification:**
   - Using the identity for \(\sec\):
   \[ \sec \theta = \frac{1}{\cos \theta} \]

4. **Apply the Identity:**
   - Substitute the value of \(\cos \theta\):
   \[ \sec \theta = \frac{1}{\frac{5}{x}} = \frac{x}{5} \]

5. **Final Expression:**
   - Hence, the expression simplifies to:
   \[ \sec \left( \cos^{-1} \left( \frac{5}{x} \right) \right) = \frac{x}{5} \]

**Conclusion:**

Thus, the equivalent algebraic expression for \( \sec \left( \cos^{-1} \left( \frac{5}{x} \right) \right) \) is \( \frac{x}{5} \).
Transcribed Image Text:### Simplifying Trigonometric Expressions **Problem Statement:** For the expression below, write an equivalent algebraic expression that involves \( x \) only. (Assume \( x \) is positive): \[ \sec \left( \cos^{-1} \left( \frac{5}{x} \right) \right) \] ### Steps to Solve: Let's break this down and find an equivalent expression: 1. **Basic Identities:** - Recall that \(\cos^{-1} z\) gives an angle \(\theta\) such that \(\cos \theta = z\). - The \(\sec\) function is the reciprocal of the \(\cos\) function: \(\sec \theta = \frac{1}{\cos \theta}\). 2. **Substitution for Clarity:** - Let \(\theta = \cos^{-1} \left( \frac{5}{x} \right)\). - Therefore, \(\cos \theta = \frac{5}{x}\). 3. **Simplification:** - Using the identity for \(\sec\): \[ \sec \theta = \frac{1}{\cos \theta} \] 4. **Apply the Identity:** - Substitute the value of \(\cos \theta\): \[ \sec \theta = \frac{1}{\frac{5}{x}} = \frac{x}{5} \] 5. **Final Expression:** - Hence, the expression simplifies to: \[ \sec \left( \cos^{-1} \left( \frac{5}{x} \right) \right) = \frac{x}{5} \] **Conclusion:** Thus, the equivalent algebraic expression for \( \sec \left( \cos^{-1} \left( \frac{5}{x} \right) \right) \) is \( \frac{x}{5} \).
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