Cot(x) = -0.6 - SoftMath Algebrator - Algebra Homework Solver (689076614429)

Let's start with a little background.

The cot(x) is also known as the cotangent(x) and it equals 1/tan(x) which equals cos(x)/sin(x). I'm showing these formulas because your calculator may not have a cot button but it will probably have buttons for tan, cos, and sin.

Your calculator may also have buttons for tan-1, cos-1 and sin-1. These are the inverse functions for tan, cos, and sin. If you enter a number and then push the tan-1 button, the result is the angle whose tangent is the entered number. For example, it you enter 1 and push the tan-1 button the answer will be 45 deg because tan (45 deg) = 1.

Now let's look at the problem, cot(x) = -0.6.
The first thing we need to know is do you want the answer in degrees or radians? Your calculator will have both modes. The default mode when you first turn it on is probably degrees. If this problem is in radians you will need to change the mode of your calculator over to radians before we start.

If cot(x) = -0.6, then tan(x) = 1/-0.6 from the formula I showed in the background section.

This means tan(x) = -1.6666666...

Now we just enter -1.66666667 and hit the tan-1 button to get the answer.

If we're operating in radians the answer is -1.0307 radians.
If we're operating in degrees the answer is -59.036 deg.

I hope this helps you out.