Question 155308
Simplify the expressions below. 
(a) For -00 < t < 00,
cos( tan^-1( t ))=____?________
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Consider tan^-1(t)
This is "the angle whose tangent is "t".
Let the angle be theta.
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Draw a right triangle.
Let the base be 1 and the height be "t"
Then the angle opposite "t" is theta.
Verify for yourself that tan(theta) = t/1 = t
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Using Pythagoras, the hypotenuse = sqrt(1^2 + t^2) = sqrt(1+t^2)
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Ans: Then cos(theta) + cos(tan^-1(t)) = t/sqrt(1+t^2)
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(b) For -1 < w < 1,
cot( cos^-1( w ))+_____?_______ 
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Let cos^-1(w) = theta
Draw a right triangle.
Let the base be "w".
Then the hypotenuse = 1
Theta is the angle opposite the remaining side.
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Verify for yourself that cos(theta) = w/1 = w
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Use Pythagoras to find the side opposite theta:
Let that unknown side be "y"
1 = w^2 + y^2
y = sqrt(1-w^2)
Ans: Then cot(theta) = w/[sqrt(1-w^2)]
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Cheers,
Stan H.