Math Problem Statement

Find terminal point t=-pi/6

Solution

The terminal point corresponding to an angle t=π6t = -\frac{\pi}{6} on the unit circle can be found as follows:

  1. First, recognize that π6-\frac{\pi}{6} radians is equivalent to rotating π6\frac{\pi}{6} radians clockwise from the positive xx-axis.
  2. π6\frac{\pi}{6} radians corresponds to 30 degrees, so we are rotating 30 degrees clockwise.
  3. The reference angle is 3030^\circ, and the terminal point lies in the fourth quadrant.

Now, we calculate the coordinates of the terminal point using the unit circle:

  • In the unit circle, for an angle π6\frac{\pi}{6}, the coordinates are (cos(π6),sin(π6))\left( \cos\left(\frac{\pi}{6}\right), \sin\left(\frac{\pi}{6}\right) \right).
  • cos(π6)=32\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{6}\right) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} and sin(π6)=12\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{6}\right) = \frac{1}{2}.

Since the angle is in the fourth quadrant, the cosine remains positive and the sine becomes negative:

  • Terminal point = (32,12)\left( \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, -\frac{1}{2} \right).

Thus, the terminal point for t=π6t = -\frac{\pi}{6} is (32,12)\left( \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, -\frac{1}{2} \right).

Would you like further clarification or more details on this?

Here are 5 related questions to consider:

  1. What is the terminal point for t=π3t = \frac{\pi}{3}?
  2. How do you determine the reference angle for negative angles?
  3. What is the terminal point for t=π4t = -\frac{\pi}{4}?
  4. How are sine and cosine values affected by the quadrant in which the terminal point lies?
  5. How would the terminal point change if t=2π3t = -\frac{2\pi}{3}?

Tip: When dealing with angles in different quadrants, remember that sine and cosine take different signs depending on the quadrant.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Unit Circle
Radians
Reference Angles
Quadrants

Formulas

cos(π/6) = √3/2
sin(π/6) = 1/2

Theorems

Unit Circle Theorem
Reference Angle Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12