Math Problem Statement

Find the exact value of csc 150° in simplest form with a rational denominator.

Solution

To solve for the exact value of csc(150)\csc(150^\circ) in simplest form with a rational denominator, follow these steps:

Step 1: Relationship between cosecant and sine

cscθ=1sinθ\csc \theta = \frac{1}{\sin \theta} Thus, csc(150)=1sin(150)\csc(150^\circ) = \frac{1}{\sin(150^\circ)}.

Step 2: Find sin(150)\sin(150^\circ)

Using the unit circle or trigonometric reference angles: sin(150)=sin(18030)=sin(30),\sin(150^\circ) = \sin(180^\circ - 30^\circ) = \sin(30^\circ), and from known values, sin(30)=12\sin(30^\circ) = \frac{1}{2}.

So: sin(150)=12.\sin(150^\circ) = \frac{1}{2}.

Step 3: Calculate csc(150)\csc(150^\circ)

csc(150)=1sin(150)=112=2.\csc(150^\circ) = \frac{1}{\sin(150^\circ)} = \frac{1}{\frac{1}{2}} = 2.

Final Answer:

csc(150)=2\csc(150^\circ) = 2

Would you like further details on the process, or do you have additional questions? Here are five related questions to consider:

  1. How do reference angles help in trigonometric calculations?
  2. Can you explain how the unit circle aids in finding trigonometric values?
  3. What is the relationship between sin\sin and csc\csc, and how do they behave for other angles?
  4. How would this calculation change if the angle was in radians rather than degrees?
  5. What are the other trigonometric values for 150150^\circ (e.g., cos,tan\cos, \tan)?

Tip: Always double-check whether the angle lies in a quadrant that changes the sign of the trigonometric function!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Cosecant Function
Reference Angles

Formulas

csc(θ) = 1/sin(θ)
sin(150°) = sin(180° - 30°)

Theorems

Unit Circle Theorem
Reference Angle Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12