Math Problem Statement

You are told that sin (theta) = (9/sqrt(430)). If theta is in the first quadrant, then the exact value of cos(theta) is what? If theta is in the second quadrant then the exact value of cos(theta) is what?

Solution

Given that sin(θ)=9430\sin(\theta) = \frac{9}{\sqrt{430}}, we need to find the exact value of cos(θ)\cos(\theta) for both the first and second quadrants.

Step 1: Use the Pythagorean Identity

The Pythagorean identity states that: sin2(θ)+cos2(θ)=1\sin^2(\theta) + \cos^2(\theta) = 1 Substitute sin(θ)\sin(\theta) into the equation: (9430)2+cos2(θ)=1\left(\frac{9}{\sqrt{430}}\right)^2 + \cos^2(\theta) = 1

Step 2: Calculate sin2(θ)\sin^2(\theta)

(9430)2=81430\left(\frac{9}{\sqrt{430}}\right)^2 = \frac{81}{430} So the equation becomes: 81430+cos2(θ)=1\frac{81}{430} + \cos^2(\theta) = 1

Step 3: Solve for cos2(θ)\cos^2(\theta)

cos2(θ)=181430\cos^2(\theta) = 1 - \frac{81}{430} Simplify the right-hand side: cos2(θ)=43043081430=349430\cos^2(\theta) = \frac{430}{430} - \frac{81}{430} = \frac{349}{430}

Step 4: Find cos(θ)\cos(\theta)

Taking the square root of both sides: cos(θ)=±349430\cos(\theta) = \pm \sqrt{\frac{349}{430}}

Now, we determine the sign of cos(θ)\cos(\theta) based on the quadrant.

Case 1: Theta in the First Quadrant

In the first quadrant, cos(θ)\cos(\theta) is positive. Therefore: cos(θ)=349430\cos(\theta) = \sqrt{\frac{349}{430}}

Case 2: Theta in the Second Quadrant

In the second quadrant, cos(θ)\cos(\theta) is negative. Therefore: cos(θ)=349430\cos(\theta) = -\sqrt{\frac{349}{430}}

Final Answer:

  • If θ\theta is in the first quadrant, the exact value of cos(θ)\cos(\theta) is 349430\sqrt{\frac{349}{430}}.
  • If θ\theta is in the second quadrant, the exact value of cos(θ)\cos(\theta) is 349430-\sqrt{\frac{349}{430}}.

Do you want details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How would you find tan(θ)\tan(\theta) in both quadrants given sin(θ)\sin(\theta)?
  2. What is the geometric interpretation of the Pythagorean identity on the unit circle?
  3. What are the signs of all trigonometric functions in the second quadrant?
  4. How does the value of θ\theta affect the cosine function in different quadrants?
  5. How can you derive the cosine function from a given sine function using trigonometric identities?

Tip: When solving trigonometric problems, always keep track of the quadrant to determine the correct sign of the function.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Pythagorean Identity
Quadrants

Formulas

Pythagorean identity: sin^2(theta) + cos^2(theta) = 1

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12