Math Problem Statement

If cos(θ) = -1/6 and θ is in the 3rd quadrant, find the exact value for sin(θ).

Solution

To solve for sin(θ)\sin(\theta) given that cos(θ)=16\cos(\theta) = -\frac{1}{6} and θ\theta is in the third quadrant, follow these steps:

Step 1: Use the Pythagorean Identity

The Pythagorean identity states: sin2(θ)+cos2(θ)=1\sin^2(\theta) + \cos^2(\theta) = 1 Substitute cos(θ)=16\cos(\theta) = -\frac{1}{6} into the equation: sin2(θ)+(16)2=1\sin^2(\theta) + \left(-\frac{1}{6}\right)^2 = 1 sin2(θ)+136=1\sin^2(\theta) + \frac{1}{36} = 1

Step 2: Isolate sin2(θ)\sin^2(\theta)

Subtract 136\frac{1}{36} from both sides: sin2(θ)=1136\sin^2(\theta) = 1 - \frac{1}{36} sin2(θ)=3636136\sin^2(\theta) = \frac{36}{36} - \frac{1}{36} sin2(θ)=3536\sin^2(\theta) = \frac{35}{36}

Step 3: Solve for sin(θ)\sin(\theta)

Take the square root of both sides: sin(θ)=±3536\sin(\theta) = \pm \sqrt{\frac{35}{36}} sin(θ)=±356\sin(\theta) = \pm \frac{\sqrt{35}}{6}

Step 4: Determine the Sign of sin(θ)\sin(\theta) in the Third Quadrant

Since θ\theta is in the third quadrant, where both sine and cosine are negative, we select the negative value: sin(θ)=356\sin(\theta) = -\frac{\sqrt{35}}{6}

Final Answer

sin(θ)=356\sin(\theta) = -\frac{\sqrt{35}}{6}

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


Here are 5 related questions that expand on this topic:

  1. How would you find tan(θ)\tan(\theta) given cos(θ)=16\cos(\theta) = -\frac{1}{6} in the third quadrant?
  2. If sin(θ)=356\sin(\theta) = -\frac{\sqrt{35}}{6}, what is the value of sin(2θ)\sin(2\theta)?
  3. How does the sign of trigonometric functions change in each quadrant?
  4. How can the Pythagorean identity be used to find the other trigonometric functions if cos(θ)\cos(\theta) is known?
  5. Why does θ\theta being in the third quadrant affect the sign of sin(θ)\sin(\theta) and cos(θ)\cos(\theta)?

Tip: When working with trigonometric functions in different quadrants, remember ASTC: All Students Take Calculus, which helps to remember the signs of trigonometric functions in each quadrant.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Trigonometric Identities
Quadrants

Formulas

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

Theorems

Pythagorean identity

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12