Math Problem Statement

Use the angle in the unit circle to find the value of the three trigonometric functions.

Solution

The given image shows a unit circle with an angle tt and the coordinates of the point on the unit circle are (32,12)\left( \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, \frac{1}{2} \right).

We can use these coordinates to find the values of the three trigonometric functions as follows:

  1. Sine (sin): In the unit circle, the sine of the angle tt is the y-coordinate of the point where the terminal side of the angle intersects the unit circle. sint=12\sin t = \frac{1}{2}

  2. Tangent (tan): The tangent of the angle tt is given by the ratio of the y-coordinate to the x-coordinate of the point. tant=1232=13=33\tan t = \frac{\frac{1}{2}}{\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}

  3. Secant (sec): The secant function is the reciprocal of the cosine function. The cosine of the angle tt is the x-coordinate of the point. sect=1cost=132=23=233\sec t = \frac{1}{\cos t} = \frac{1}{\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}} = \frac{2}{\sqrt{3}} = \frac{2\sqrt{3}}{3}

Thus, the exact values are:

  • sint=12\sin t = \frac{1}{2}
  • tant=33\tan t = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}
  • sect=233\sec t = \frac{2\sqrt{3}}{3}

Would you like more details on how these values were derived or have any specific questions?

Here are five related questions to further explore:

  1. How is the unit circle used to define trigonometric functions?
  2. What is the relationship between sine, cosine, and the coordinates on the unit circle?
  3. Can you explain why tant=yx\tan t = \frac{y}{x} on the unit circle?
  4. How would you find the cotangent and cosecant of this angle?
  5. What is the significance of the angle tt in radians versus degrees?

Tip: Always remember that the unit circle has a radius of 1, which simplifies the definitions of sine and cosine to the coordinates (x,y)(x, y) on the circle.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Unit Circle

Formulas

sin t = y-coordinate
tan t = (y-coordinate) / (x-coordinate)
sec t = 1 / (cos t)

Theorems

Trigonometric functions on the unit circle

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12