Table of contents

0. Review of College Algebra4h 43m
1. Measuring Angles40m
2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles2h 5m
3. Unit Circle1h 19m
4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions1h 19m
5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations1h 41m
6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations2h 34m
7. Non-Right Triangles1h 38m
8. Vectors2h 25m
9. Polar Equations2h 5m
10. Parametric Equations1h 6m
11. Graphing Complex Numbers1h 7m

2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles

Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles

Trigonometry

2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles

Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles

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0:54 minutes

Problem 10

Textbook Question

CONCEPT PREVIEW Determine whether each statement is possibleor impossible. sin² θ + cos² θ = 2

Verified step by step guidance

Recall the Pythagorean identity: \( \sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1 \).

Compare the given equation \( \sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 2 \) with the Pythagorean identity.

Understand that the Pythagorean identity holds for all angles \( \theta \), meaning \( \sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta \) always equals 1.

Since the given equation states that \( \sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 2 \), which contradicts the identity, evaluate the possibility of this statement.

Conclude whether the statement \( \sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 2 \) is possible or impossible based on the Pythagorean identity.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Pythagorean Identity

The Pythagorean identity states that for any angle θ, the sum of the squares of the sine and cosine functions equals one: sin² θ + cos² θ = 1. This fundamental identity is crucial in trigonometry and serves as a basis for many other trigonometric equations and transformations.

Range of Sine and Cosine Functions

The sine and cosine functions have a range of values between -1 and 1. This means that the maximum value of sin² θ and cos² θ is 1, making the maximum possible value of sin² θ + cos² θ equal to 2 only if both functions equal 1 simultaneously, which is impossible for any angle θ.

Trigonometric Values at Specific Angles

Trigonometric functions take specific values at certain angles. For example, sin(90°) = 1 and cos(90°) = 0. However, there is no angle θ for which both sin² θ and cos² θ can equal 1 at the same time, reinforcing that the equation sin² θ + cos² θ = 2 is impossible.