Tangent and Cotangent Functions (Special Property)
- Author:
- Tim Brzezinski
- Topic:
- Functions, Trigonometric Functions
Suppose is an angle drawn in standard position. Let P(x, y) = any point in the coordinate plane,
and r = distance from point P to the origin, then
and .
Interact with the applet below for a minute or two. Then answer the questions that follow.
(Be sure to move point P to various locations!)
1.
Regardless of where point P lies, what relationship can you write about the ratios and ?
2.
Regardless of where point P lies, what relationship can you write about the ratios and ?