Math Problem Statement

Find the exact value of the trigonometric function. (If an answer is undefined, enter UNDEFINED.)

cos(210°)

Solution

To find the exact value of cos(210)\cos(210^\circ):

  1. Reference Angle: The angle 210210^\circ is in the third quadrant. The reference angle for 210210^\circ is: 210180=30210^\circ - 180^\circ = 30^\circ

  2. Cosine in the Third Quadrant: In the third quadrant, the cosine function is negative.

  3. Cosine of Reference Angle: The cosine of 3030^\circ is: cos(30)=32\cos(30^\circ) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}

  4. Applying the Negative Sign: Since 210210^\circ is in the third quadrant, the cosine is negative: cos(210)=32\cos(210^\circ) = -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}

Thus, the exact value of cos(210)\cos(210^\circ) is: 32\boxed{-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}}

Would you like more details on this solution, or do you have any further questions?

Here are some related questions to expand on this:

  1. What is the sine of 210210^\circ?
  2. What is the tangent of 210210^\circ?
  3. What is the exact value of cos(330)\cos(330^\circ)?
  4. How do you find the reference angle for a given angle?
  5. How does the sign of trigonometric functions change across different quadrants?

Tip: Always use the unit circle to remember the signs of trigonometric functions in each quadrant!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Reference Angles
Cosine Function
Unit Circle

Formulas

Reference angle: Reference angle for 210° is 210° - 180° = 30°
Cosine of 30°: cos(30°) = √3 / 2
Cosine sign in the third quadrant: cos(210°) = -cos(30°)

Theorems

Unit Circle Theorem
Sign of Trigonometric Functions in Quadrants

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12