If [tex]\(\theta\)[/tex] is an angle in standard position whose terminal side passes through the point [tex]\((-2, -3)\)[/tex], what is the numerical value of [tex]\(\tan \theta\)[/tex]?

A. [tex]\(\frac{2}{3}\)[/tex]
B. [tex]\(\frac{3}{2}\)[/tex]
C. [tex]\(-\frac{2}{\sqrt{13}}\)[/tex]
D. [tex]\(-\frac{3}{\sqrt{13}}\)[/tex]



Answer :

To find the value of [tex]\(\tan \theta\)[/tex] for an angle [tex]\(\theta\)[/tex] in standard position passing through the point [tex]\((-2, -3)\)[/tex], we use the definition of the tangent function in a coordinate plane. The tangent of an angle [tex]\(\theta\)[/tex] (formed by the terminal side and the x-axis) is given by [tex]\(\tan \theta = \frac{y}{x}\)[/tex], where [tex]\(x\)[/tex] and [tex]\(y\)[/tex] are the coordinates of the point on the terminal side.

Let's apply this to the given point [tex]\((-2, -3)\)[/tex]:

1. Identify the coordinates: the point is [tex]\((x, y) = (-2, -3)\)[/tex].
2. Substitute these coordinates into the tangent formula:
[tex]\[ \tan \theta = \frac{y}{x} \][/tex]
3. Plug in the values [tex]\(x = -2\)[/tex] and [tex]\(y = -3\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ \tan \theta = \frac{-3}{-2} \][/tex]
4. Simplify the expression:
[tex]\[ \tan \theta = \frac{-3}{-2} = \frac{3}{2} \][/tex]

Thus, the numerical value of [tex]\(\tan \theta\)[/tex] is [tex]\(\frac{3}{2}\)[/tex].

Therefore, the correct answer is:
(2) [tex]\(\frac{3}{2}\)[/tex]