Math Problem Statement

Use the (x,y) coordinates in the figure to find the value of the trigonometric function at the indicated real number, t, or state that the expression is undefined. Find cos(π/6).

Solution

To solve cos(π6)\cos \left( \frac{\pi}{6} \right) using the unit circle provided in the image:

  1. The unit circle represents the cosine and sine values for standard angles, with the x-coordinate corresponding to the cosine of the angle and the y-coordinate to the sine of the angle.
  2. π6\frac{\pi}{6} radians is one of the key angles, and it corresponds to 30 degrees.
  3. On the unit circle, the coordinates for π6\frac{\pi}{6} are (32,12)\left( \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, \frac{1}{2} \right).
  4. Since cosine corresponds to the x-coordinate, we have: cos(π6)=32\cos \left( \frac{\pi}{6} \right) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}

Thus, cos(π6)=32\cos \left( \frac{\pi}{6} \right) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}.

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

Here are 5 related questions you can try:

  1. What is sin(π6)\sin \left( \frac{\pi}{6} \right)?
  2. Find cos(π4)\cos \left( \frac{\pi}{4} \right) using the unit circle.
  3. What is the value of cos(π3)\cos \left( \frac{\pi}{3} \right)?
  4. Can you compute tan(π6)\tan \left( \frac{\pi}{6} \right)?
  5. How do you calculate sin(5π6)\sin \left( \frac{5\pi}{6} \right) using the unit circle?

Tip: On the unit circle, the cosine values mirror symmetrically across the y-axis, and sine values mirror across the x-axis!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Unit Circle
Radians

Formulas

cos(θ) = x-coordinate on unit circle

Theorems

Unit Circle Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12