Math Problem Statement

Given sin(θ) = 7/10, find cos(θ) using the Pythagorean Identity.

Solution

The problem asks to find cosθ\cos \theta given that sinθ=710\sin \theta = \frac{7}{10}, using the Pythagorean identity:

sin2θ+cos2θ=1\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. First, use the Pythagorean identity: sin2θ+cos2θ=1\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1 Plug in the value of sinθ=710\sin \theta = \frac{7}{10}: (710)2+cos2θ=1\left(\frac{7}{10}\right)^2 + \cos^2 \theta = 1

  2. Square 710\frac{7}{10}: 49100+cos2θ=1\frac{49}{100} + \cos^2 \theta = 1

  3. Subtract 49100\frac{49}{100} from both sides: cos2θ=149100=10010049100=51100\cos^2 \theta = 1 - \frac{49}{100} = \frac{100}{100} - \frac{49}{100} = \frac{51}{100}

  4. Take the square root of both sides to find cosθ\cos \theta: cosθ=±51100=±5110\cos \theta = \pm \sqrt{\frac{51}{100}} = \pm \frac{\sqrt{51}}{10}

Therefore, the possible values for cosθ\cos \theta are:

cosθ=±5110\cos \theta = \pm \frac{\sqrt{51}}{10}

The final step is to choose the correct sign depending on the quadrant of θ\theta, which is not specified in this case.

Would you like further details on how to determine the sign or anything else?

Here are 5 related questions you might find helpful:

  1. How do you determine the correct sign for cosθ\cos \theta?
  2. What is the geometric interpretation of the Pythagorean identity?
  3. Can you apply the same identity to find tanθ\tan \theta?
  4. How can you simplify 51\sqrt{51} further?
  5. What happens if sinθ\sin \theta is negative?

Tip: Always check the quadrant of the angle when determining the sign of trigonometric functions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Pythagorean Identity

Formulas

sin²(θ) + cos²(θ) = 1

Theorems

Pythagorean Identity

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12