SOLUTION: If sin (x) = 1/5, what does sec (x) equal?

Algebra ->  Trigonometry-basics -> SOLUTION: If sin (x) = 1/5, what does sec (x) equal?      Log On


   



Question 93972: If sin (x) = 1/5, what does sec (x) equal?
Answer by edjones(8007) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
In a right triangle 1 would be the opposite and 5 the hypotenuse.
a%5E2%2Bb%5E2=c%5E2
1%5E2%2Bb%5E2=5%5E2
b%5E2=25-1=24
b=sqrt%2824%29=sqrt%284%2A6%29=2sqrt%286%29 the adjacent side
The secant = hypotenuse/adjacent = 5%2F2sqrt%286%29
Multiply top and bottom by sqrt%286%29to get the square root out of the denominator and you get 5sqrt%286%29%2F12
Ed Jones