Math Problem Statement

Given: sin(θ)=−1/2 and cot(θ)<0. Which of the following can be the angle θ?

Solution

To determine the angle θ\theta based on the given information:

  1. sin(θ)=12\sin(\theta) = -\frac{1}{2}:

    • This implies that the angle θ\theta must be in a quadrant where sine is negative.
    • Sine is negative in the third and fourth quadrants.
  2. cot(θ)<0\cot(\theta) < 0:

    • cot(θ)\cot(\theta) (cotangent) is the reciprocal of tan(θ)\tan(\theta). Since tan(θ)\tan(\theta) is the ratio of sin(θ)\sin(\theta) to cos(θ)\cos(\theta), cotangent will be negative where sine and cosine have opposite signs.
    • In the third quadrant, both sine and cosine are negative, making tan(θ)\tan(\theta) positive, so cot(θ)\cot(\theta) is positive here.
    • In the fourth quadrant, sine is negative, and cosine is positive, making tan(θ)\tan(\theta) negative, so cot(θ)\cot(\theta) is negative.

From this, we conclude that θ\theta must be in the fourth quadrant.

  1. Standard reference angle:
    • sin(θ)=12\sin(\theta) = \frac{1}{2} has a reference angle of 3030^\circ (or π6\frac{\pi}{6} radians).
    • In the fourth quadrant, the corresponding angle is 36030=330360^\circ - 30^\circ = 330^\circ (or 2ππ6=11π62\pi - \frac{\pi}{6} = \frac{11\pi}{6} radians).

Thus, the angle θ\theta can be 330330^\circ or 11π6\frac{11\pi}{6} radians.

Would you like further details or have any questions?


Here are 5 related questions:

  1. What are the values of cos(θ)\cos(\theta) and tan(θ)\tan(\theta) for θ=330\theta = 330^\circ?
  2. How do you calculate cotangent based on sine and cosine?
  3. What is the reference angle, and how is it used to find angles in different quadrants?
  4. Can you determine an angle if only the tangent is given?
  5. How do the signs of trigonometric functions differ across quadrants?

Tip: When dealing with trigonometric functions, always identify the quadrant to determine the sign of the function.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Sine Function
Cotangent Function
Quadrant Identification

Formulas

sin(θ) = opposite / hypotenuse
cot(θ) = 1 / tan(θ)
tan(θ) = sin(θ) / cos(θ)

Theorems

Sign rules of trigonometric functions in different quadrants
Reference angles in trigonometry

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12