Tan x

[Steven G]

I appreciate all the replies. The only reason I wanted to know is because I've been working with tangent via triangles and had decided to just use tan(55) and it spat out a value. So I looked up that value. I was just curious as to how the calculator came to the conclusion that tan(55) = 1.42814 when it isn't given any other values.

Also on a SAT/ACT prep site I found some information . They used a formula tan = sin/cos. Keep in mind I stopped my math at Algebra 1 and have just started needing to learn trig to calculate angles for fabrication.

Yes, tan(x) = sin(x)/cos(x) (NOT tan = sin/cos NO). Using this formula doesn't help you at all, as tan(55) = sin(55)/cos(55) and you will ask how the calculator computes sin(55) AND cos(55). Now you have two questions instead of one!

 

[Dr.Peterson]

Yes, tan(x) = sin(x)/cos(x) (NOT tan = sin/cos NO).

Not meaning to undercut what you are saying, but in fact [MATH]\tan = \frac{\sin}{\cos}[/MATH] is perfectly valid.

Given two functions [MATH]f[/MATH] and [MATH]g[/MATH], we define the function [MATH]h = \frac{f}{g}[/MATH] by [MATH]h(x) = \frac{f(x)}{g(x)}[/MATH].

Of course, most students who leave off the argument of a trig function aren't thinking this way, but still ... in this case, it's valid.

 

[SomeRandomLearner]

Yes, tan(x) = sin(x)/cos(x) (NOT tan = sin/cos NO). Using this formula doesn't help you at all, as tan(55) = sin(55)/cos(55) and you will ask how the calculator computes sin(55) AND cos(55). Now you have two questions instead of one!

Genies hoss. I read an article posted to this question yesterday that helped to answer my question. Even though it opened pandoras box and I dont see how a function doesnt have to have a formula but I guess some things are better left to mystery. Really I was looking for a better understanding, since I have NEVER done trig, on how the values are calculated. The difference in doing something with a pencil and a calculator. I do appreciate the time that was taken by you all to answer my question.

Genies man