Math Problem Statement

The terminal side of angle θ intersects the unit circle in the first quadrant at (6/13, y). What are the values of sin θ and cos θ?

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to determine the values of sinθ\sin \theta and cosθ\cos \theta based on the given point on the unit circle, (613,y)\left( \frac{6}{13}, y \right), in the first quadrant.


Step 1: Recall the equation of the unit circle

The equation of the unit circle is: x2+y2=1x^2 + y^2 = 1 Given x=613x = \frac{6}{13}, substitute x2x^2 into the equation: (613)2+y2=1\left( \frac{6}{13} \right)^2 + y^2 = 1 36169+y2=1\frac{36}{169} + y^2 = 1


Step 2: Solve for y2y^2

Rearrange to isolate y2y^2: y2=136169y^2 = 1 - \frac{36}{169} y2=16916936169y^2 = \frac{169}{169} - \frac{36}{169} y2=133169y^2 = \frac{133}{169}


Step 3: Solve for yy

Since yy is positive in the first quadrant: y=133169=13313y = \sqrt{\frac{133}{169}} = \frac{\sqrt{133}}{13}


Step 4: Values of sinθ\sin \theta and cosθ\cos \theta

From the unit circle: cosθ=x=613,sinθ=y=13313\cos \theta = x = \frac{6}{13}, \quad \sin \theta = y = \frac{\sqrt{133}}{13}


Final Answer:

cosθ=613,sinθ=13313\cos \theta = \frac{6}{13}, \quad \sin \theta = \frac{\sqrt{133}}{13}

Let me know if you'd like a detailed breakdown or further clarification!


Relative questions to deepen understanding:

  1. How do the coordinates of a point on the unit circle relate to sinθ\sin \theta and cosθ\cos \theta?
  2. Why do we choose the positive square root for yy in the first quadrant?
  3. What is the relationship between the Pythagorean theorem and the unit circle equation?
  4. How would sinθ\sin \theta and cosθ\cos \theta differ if the point were in the second quadrant?
  5. Can you verify cos2θ+sin2θ=1\cos^2 \theta + \sin^2 \theta = 1 with these values?

Tip: Always check the quadrant when solving trigonometric problems to determine the sign of sine and cosine values!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Unit Circle
Quadrants

Formulas

Equation of the unit circle: x^2 + y^2 = 1
sin θ = y-coordinate, cos θ = x-coordinate

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11