Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Trigonometric Identities
Trigonometric identities are equations that involve trigonometric functions and are true for all values of the variables involved. The identity for the cosine of a sum, cos(α + β) = cos(α)cos(β) - sin(α)sin(β), is essential for solving the problem. Understanding how to apply these identities allows for the simplification of expressions involving angles.
Recommended video:
Fundamental Trigonometric Identities
Quadrants and Sign of Trigonometric Functions
The unit circle is divided into four quadrants, each affecting the signs of the sine and cosine functions. In quadrant I, both sine and cosine are positive, while in quadrant II, sine is positive and cosine is negative. Knowing the quadrant in which an angle lies helps determine the signs of the trigonometric values, which is crucial for accurate calculations.
Recommended video:
Finding Missing Trigonometric Values
To find the exact values of sine and cosine when given one of the values, the Pythagorean theorem can be used. For example, if sin(α) is known, cos(α) can be calculated using the identity sin²(α) + cos²(α) = 1. This process is necessary to compute cos(α + β) accurately, as both cos(α) and cos(β) are required.
Recommended video: