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

1. Measuring Angles

Angles in Standard Position

Trigonometry

1. Measuring Angles

Angles in Standard Position

Previous problemNext problem

2: minutes

Problem 39

Textbook Question

In Exercises 39–48, use a calculator to find the value of the trigonometric function to four decimal places.sin 38°

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Identify the trigonometric function you need to evaluate, which is \( \sin 38^\circ \).

Step 2: Ensure your calculator is set to degree mode, as the angle is given in degrees.

Step 3: Enter the angle 38 into your calculator.

Step 4: Press the sine function button (usually labeled as 'sin') to compute the sine of 38 degrees.

Step 5: Record the result displayed on the calculator, rounding it to four decimal places.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Trigonometric Functions

Trigonometric functions, such as sine, cosine, and tangent, relate the angles of a triangle to the lengths of its sides. The sine function, specifically, is defined as the ratio of the length of the opposite side to the hypotenuse in a right triangle. Understanding these functions is essential for solving problems involving angles and distances.

Calculator Usage for Trigonometry

Using a calculator to find trigonometric values involves inputting the angle in degrees or radians, depending on the calculator's settings. For example, to find sin 38°, one must ensure the calculator is set to degree mode. This allows for accurate computation of trigonometric values, which are often required to a specific decimal place.

Rounding and Precision

Rounding is the process of adjusting a number to a specified degree of accuracy, which is crucial in trigonometry when reporting values. In this case, finding sin 38° to four decimal places means the result should be rounded to the nearest ten-thousandth. Understanding how to round correctly ensures that the final answer is both precise and meets the problem's requirements.