Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Trigonometric Functions
Trigonometric functions, such as sine, cosine, and secant, relate angles to ratios of sides in right triangles. The secant function, specifically, is defined as the reciprocal of the cosine function. Understanding these functions is crucial for determining their values and signs based on the angle's quadrant.
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Quadrants of the Unit Circle
The unit circle is divided into four quadrants, each corresponding to specific ranges of angle measures. The signs of trigonometric functions vary depending on the quadrant in which the angle lies. For example, in the first quadrant, all functions are positive, while in the second quadrant, sine is positive, and cosine and secant are negative.
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Angle Transformation
The expression sec(θ/2) involves transforming the angle θ by halving it. This transformation can change the quadrant in which the angle lies, affecting the sign of the secant function. Understanding how to manipulate angles and their corresponding trigonometric values is essential for solving problems involving angle transformations.
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