A few days ago
halamadrid

help on PRECALC problem?

Given sinx = 1/3, find sec x

and an explanation would be nice too thanks

pleaseee help!

Top 2 Answers
A few days ago
hayharbr

Favorite Answer

sec x = 1/cos x, and cos^2x + sin^2x = 1 or cos^2x = 1 – sin^2x

So cos^2 x = 1 – 1/9 = 8/9 and cosx = plus or minus sqrt (8/9) or sqrt 8 / 3. Flip this to get sec x: 3 / sqrt 8, or (3 sqrt8)/ 8

Again, it’s plus or minus unless you know what quadrant you are in (either I or II since sine was positive)

1

A few days ago
MsMath
sinx = opposite / hypotenuse = 1/3

opposite = 1

hypotenuse = 3

You can find the adjacent side by using the pythagorean theorem.

(adjacent)^2 + (opposite)^2 = (hypotenuse)^2

(adjacent)^2 + 1^2 = 3^2

(adjacent)^2 + 1 = 9

(adjacent)^2 = 8

adjacent = sqrt(8)

secx = 1 / cosx

= 1 / (adjacent/hypotenuse) = hypotenuse / adjacent

= 3 / sqrt(8)

Rationalize and simplify if necessary.

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