Topic: Cofunction identities

Question: Find an angle θ that satisfies the equation.

( 9 )
4π
cos = sin θ

Answer choices:
π
A −
18

4π
B
9

5π
C
18
π
D
18

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Solution: D

The equation we’re given tells us that the sine of some angle is equivalent
to cosine of the angle 4π /9. Sine and cosine are cofunctions, which means
we can plug into the cofunction identity for cosine that relates them.

(2 )
π
cos θ = sin −θ

( 9 ) (2 9 )
4π π 4π
cos = sin −

Find a common denominator.

( 9 ) ( 2 ( 9 ) 9 ( 2 ))
4π π 9 4π 2
cos = sin −

( 9 ) ( 18 18 )
4π 9π 8π
cos = sin −

( 9 ) ( 18 )
4π π
cos = sin

So the angle θ that satisfies the equation is θ = π /18.

257
Topic: Cofunction identities

Question: Find θ.

( 8 ) (2 )
3π π
sec = csc −θ

Answer choices:

3π
A
8
π
B
8
π
C
4
π
D
2

258
Solution: A

Secant and cosecant are cofunctions, which means we can plug into the
cofunction identity for secant that relates the two functions.

(2 )
π
sec θ = csc −θ

( 8 ) (2 8 )
3π π 3π
sec = csc −

So the angle θ that satisfies the equation is θ = 3π /8.

259
Topic: Cofunction identities

Question: Find an acute angle that satisfies the equation.

tan(3α + 27∘) = cot(α + 3∘)

Answer choices:

A 60∘

B 18∘

C 15∘

D 72∘

260
Solution: C

The equation matches the form of the cofunction identity for tangent,
tan θ = cot(90∘ − θ), where θ = 3α + 27∘. Then

α + 3∘ = 90∘ − (3α + 27∘)

α + 3∘ = 90∘ − 3α − 27∘

α + 3∘ = 63∘ − 3α

4α = 60∘

α = 15∘

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