Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Unit Circle
The unit circle is a circle with a radius of one centered at the origin of a coordinate plane. It is fundamental in trigonometry as it provides a geometric interpretation of the sine, cosine, and tangent functions. Angles measured in radians correspond to points on the unit circle, allowing for the determination of exact values for trigonometric functions.
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Introduction to the Unit Circle
Cosine Function
The cosine function, denoted as cos(ฮธ), represents the x-coordinate of a point on the unit circle corresponding to an angle ฮธ. It is periodic with a period of 2ฯ, meaning that cos(ฮธ) = cos(ฮธ + 2kฯ) for any integer k. Understanding the properties of the cosine function, including its even nature (cos(-ฮธ) = cos(ฮธ)), is essential for evaluating expressions involving negative angles.
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Graph of Sine and Cosine Function
Angle Reduction
Angle reduction involves simplifying angles to find their equivalent values within a standard range, typically between 0 and 2ฯ. For example, to evaluate cos(-35ฯ/6), one can add or subtract multiples of 2ฯ to bring the angle within this range. This technique is crucial for finding exact trigonometric values without a calculator, as it allows for easier reference to known angles on the unit circle.
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