How do you evaluate #cot[arccos (-4/5)] #?

1 Answer
Oct 12, 2016

#cot[arccos(-4/5)]=-4/3#

Explanation:

#cot[arccos(-4/5)]#-->restriction for #arccos x# is #[0,pi]#.

Since the argument is negative that means our triangle is in quadrant two with the adjacent side -4 and hypotenuse 5. Hence this is a 3-4-5 triangle with the opposite side being 3.

Therefore #cot theta# = adjacent/opposite = #a/o = -4/3#