SOLUTION: Can you walk me through the process of answering this question. compute the cot(31Pi/12)

Algebra ->  Trigonometry-basics -> SOLUTION: Can you walk me through the process of answering this question. compute the cot(31Pi/12)      Log On


   

Question 396492: Can you walk me through the process of answering this question.
compute the cot(31Pi/12)
Found 2 solutions by stanbon, richard1234:
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
compute the cot(31Pi/12)
-----
Comment: 2pi can ways be removed from the angle
and still get the same function value.
=====
(31/12)pi = (24/12 + 7/12)pi = (7/12)pi
----
cot[(7/12)pi] = -0.267949..
===========================
Cheers,
Stan H.
==========

Answer by richard1234(7193) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Since all coterminal angles have the same trig values, we can subtract 2pi, so:

cot+%2831pi%2F12%29+=+cot%287pi%2F12%29+=+1%2Ftan%287pi%2F12%29

You can compute tan%287pi%2F12%29 without using a calculator, using the addition formula , and letting alpha+=+pi%2F4, beta+=+pi%2F3. You can then substitute those values in. I don't have enough time now, so I'll have you give it a try! Don't forget to invert your answer since you're looking for the cotangent, not the tangent.