The tangent (tan) formula identity states that the tangent of an angle (θ) is equal to the sine of that angle divided by the cosine of that angle. This is a fundamental trigonometric identity.
Here's a breakdown:
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The Formula:
tan θ = sin θ / cos θ
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Explanation:
tan θ
represents the tangent of the angle θ.sin θ
represents the sine of the angle θ.cos θ
represents the cosine of the angle θ.
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Importance: This identity allows you to calculate the tangent of an angle if you know its sine and cosine. It's also crucial for simplifying trigonometric expressions and solving trigonometric equations.
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Other Related Identities (For Context): While the core answer is above, here are other related trigonometric identities:
- Reciprocal Identities:
- cot θ = 1 / tan θ = cos θ / sin θ
- Pythagorean Identities: These link sine, cosine, and tangent indirectly:
- sin² θ + cos² θ = 1
- 1 + tan² θ = sec² θ
- 1 + cot² θ = csc² θ
- Reciprocal Identities:
The tan θ = sin θ / cos θ identity is essential for understanding and working with trigonometric functions.