In Exercises 69–70, express the exact value of each function as a single fraction. Do not use a calculator. If f(θ) = 2 cos θ - cos 2θ, find f(𝜋/6).
Table of contents
- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 45m
- 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
Problem 8
Textbook Question
In Exercises 1–8, a point on the terminal side of angle θ is given. Find the exact value of each of the six trigonometric functions of θ. (-1, -3)
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the coordinates of the point on the terminal side of angle \( \theta \). Here, the point is \((-1, -3)\), so \(x = -1\) and \(y = -3\).
Calculate the radius \(r\), which is the distance from the origin to the point, using the formula \( r = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2} \). Substitute the values to get \( r = \sqrt{(-1)^2 + (-3)^2} \).
Recall the definitions of the six trigonometric functions in terms of \(x\), \(y\), and \(r\):
\[ \sin \theta = \frac{y}{r}, \quad \cos \theta = \frac{x}{r}, \quad \tan \theta = \frac{y}{x}, \quad \csc \theta = \frac{r}{y}, \quad \sec \theta = \frac{r}{x}, \quad \cot \theta = \frac{x}{y} \]
Substitute the values of \(x\), \(y\), and \(r\) into each of the six functions to express them exactly in terms of radicals and integers.
Simplify each expression if possible, and pay attention to the signs of the functions based on the quadrant where the point \((-1, -3)\) lies (which is the third quadrant).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Coordinates and the Terminal Side of an Angle
The terminal side of an angle θ in standard position passes through a point (x, y). This point helps determine the angle's trigonometric values by relating x and y to the radius (r), which is the distance from the origin to the point.
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Radius (r) and Its Calculation
The radius r is the distance from the origin to the point (x, y) on the terminal side, calculated using the Pythagorean theorem: r = √(x² + y²). It is essential for normalizing the coordinates when finding trigonometric function values.
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Six Trigonometric Functions and Their Definitions
The six trigonometric functions—sine, cosine, tangent, cosecant, secant, and cotangent—are defined using x, y, and r: sin θ = y/r, cos θ = x/r, tan θ = y/x, and their reciprocals csc θ, sec θ, cot θ. Knowing these definitions allows exact value computation from coordinates.
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