Questions: Determine the values of the trigonometric functions of α, where sin α = 7/25, and cos α = 24/25.
tan α = (Type a simplified fraction.)
Transcript text: Determine the values of the trigonometric functions of $\alpha$, where $\sin \alpha=\frac{7}{25}$, and $\cos \alpha=\frac{24}{25}$.
$\tan \alpha=$ $\square$ (Type a simplified fraction.)
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Recall the definition of tangent
The tangent of an angle \( \alpha \) is defined as the ratio of the sine of \( \alpha \) to the cosine of \( \alpha \). Mathematically, this is expressed as:
\[
\tan \alpha = \frac{\sin \alpha}{\cos \alpha}
\]
Step 2: Substitute the given values
We are given \( \sin \alpha = \frac{7}{25} \) and \( \cos \alpha = \frac{24}{25} \). Substitute these values into the tangent formula:
\[
\tan \alpha = \frac{\frac{7}{25}}{\frac{24}{25}}
\]
Step 3: Simplify the expression
To simplify the fraction, multiply the numerator by the reciprocal of the denominator:
\[
\tan \alpha = \frac{7}{25} \times \frac{25}{24} = \frac{7}{24}
\]