If tan α = 2, then the value of (sin α + cos α) / (3 sin α − 2 cos α) is equal to:
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept: Dividing by cos α to convert to tan α
Step 1: Identify the given information and target expression.
We are given that $\tan \alpha = 2$, and we need to find the value of:
$$\frac{\sin \alpha + \cos \alpha}{3 \sin \alpha - 2 \cos \alpha}$$
Step 2: Divide both numerator and denominator by $\cos \alpha$.
To simplify the expression, we divide both the numerator and denominator by $\cos \alpha$:
$$\frac{\sin \alpha + \cos \alpha}{3 \sin \alpha - 2 \cos \alpha} = \frac{\frac{\sin \alpha}{\cos \alpha} + \frac{\cos \alpha}{\cos \alpha}}{3 \cdot \frac{\sin \alpha}{\cos \alpha} - 2 \cdot \frac{\cos \alpha}{\cos \alpha}}$$
Step 3: Convert to tangent form.
Using the identity $\frac{\sin \alpha}{\cos \alpha} = \tan \alpha$ and $\frac{\cos \alpha}{\cos \alpha} = 1$, the expression becomes:
$$\frac{\tan \alpha + 1}{3 \tan \alpha - 2}$$
Step 4: Substitute the given value $\tan \alpha = 2$.
Substituting $\tan \alpha = 2$ into the simplified expression:
$$\frac{2 + 1}{3(2) - 2} = \frac{3}{6 - 2} = \frac{3}{4}$$
Step 5: State the final answer.
The value of $\frac{\sin \alpha + \cos \alpha}{3 \sin \alpha - 2 \cos \alpha}$ is $\boxed{\frac{3}{4}}$.
This corresponds to **Option 2: 3/4**.
Correct Answer: 2