If $\sin A = y$, then express $\cos A$ and $\tan A$ in terms of y.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 10:26 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Given: $\sin A = y$
Using the identity $\sin^2 A + \cos^2 A = 1$:
$$\cos A = \sqrt{1 - \sin^2 A} = \sqrt{1 - y^2}$$
Using $\tan A = \dfrac{\sin A}{\cos A}$:
$$\tan A = \dfrac{y}{\sqrt{1-y^2}}$$
Source: Chapter 8, Section 8.2 & 8.5
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Explanation
- The examiner expects you to use the Pythagorean identity $\sin^2A + \cos^2A = 1$ directly to find $\cos A$, then use $\tan A = \frac{\sin A}{\cos A}$.
- Assume angle A is acute, so $\cos A$ is positive — take the positive square root only.
- Both results must be clearly written in terms of $y$; the substitution step should be shown for full marks.