Math Problem Statement

Use the identity cos^2 + sin^2 = 1 to find the value of x or y, as appropriate. Then, assuming that s corresponds to the given point on the unit circle, find the six circular function values for s. (x, 24/25)

Solution

Let's begin by using the given information and applying the Pythagorean identity for trigonometric functions, cos2θ+sin2θ=1\cos^2 \theta + \sin^2 \theta = 1, to find the values of xx and yy.

Step 1: Use the identity to find xx

You are given the point (x,2425)(x, \frac{24}{25}) on the unit circle, where the yy-coordinate corresponds to sinθ\sin \theta and the xx-coordinate corresponds to cosθ\cos \theta. Since this point lies on the unit circle, it satisfies the equation:

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

Substitute sinθ=2425\sin \theta = \frac{24}{25} into this identity:

x2+(2425)2=1x^2 + \left( \frac{24}{25} \right)^2 = 1

Now calculate (2425)2\left( \frac{24}{25} \right)^2:

x2+576625=1x^2 + \frac{576}{625} = 1

Subtract 576625\frac{576}{625} from both sides:

x2=1576625=625625576625=49625x^2 = 1 - \frac{576}{625} = \frac{625}{625} - \frac{576}{625} = \frac{49}{625}

Take the square root of both sides:

x=±725x = \pm \frac{7}{25}

Thus, xx can be either 725\frac{7}{25} or 725-\frac{7}{25}.

Step 2: Determine the circular function values for s=(x,2425)s = (x, \frac{24}{25})

Assume that s=(x,2425)s = (x, \frac{24}{25}) represents a point on the unit circle. For this point, we can now calculate the values of the six circular functions (sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant, and cosecant).

  1. Sine (sinθ\sin \theta): This is simply the yy-coordinate of the point on the unit circle. sinθ=2425\sin \theta = \frac{24}{25}

  2. Cosine (cosθ\cos \theta): This is the xx-coordinate of the point on the unit circle. As we found earlier: cosθ=±725\cos \theta = \pm \frac{7}{25}

  3. Tangent (tanθ\tan \theta): This is the ratio of sine to cosine. tanθ=sinθcosθ=2425±725=±247\tan \theta = \frac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta} = \frac{\frac{24}{25}}{\pm \frac{7}{25}} = \pm \frac{24}{7}

  4. Cotangent (cotθ\cot \theta): This is the reciprocal of tangent. cotθ=1tanθ=±724\cot \theta = \frac{1}{\tan \theta} = \pm \frac{7}{24}

  5. Secant (secθ\sec \theta): This is the reciprocal of cosine. secθ=1cosθ=±257\sec \theta = \frac{1}{\cos \theta} = \pm \frac{25}{7}

  6. Cosecant (cscθ\csc \theta): This is the reciprocal of sine. cscθ=1sinθ=2524\csc \theta = \frac{1}{\sin \theta} = \frac{25}{24}

Final Values for the Circular Functions

  • Sine: sinθ=2425\sin \theta = \frac{24}{25}
  • Cosine: cosθ=±725\cos \theta = \pm \frac{7}{25}
  • Tangent: tanθ=±247\tan \theta = \pm \frac{24}{7}
  • Cotangent: cotθ=±724\cot \theta = \pm \frac{7}{24}
  • Secant: secθ=±257\sec \theta = \pm \frac{25}{7}
  • Cosecant: cscθ=2524\csc \theta = \frac{25}{24}

Notes:

  • The signs of the functions depend on the quadrant of the point (x,2425)(x, \frac{24}{25}) on the unit circle.
  • If x=725x = \frac{7}{25}, the point is in the first or fourth quadrant, where sine is positive and cosine is positive or negative.
  • If x=725x = -\frac{7}{25}, the point is in the second or third quadrant, where sine is positive and cosine is negative.

Would you like any further clarification or help with a specific part of this solution?


Related Questions:

  1. How do the signs of trigonometric functions vary across different quadrants on the unit circle?
  2. Can you explain the unit circle and how trigonometric functions are derived from it?
  3. What is the significance of the Pythagorean identity in trigonometry?
  4. How do you compute the six trigonometric functions from a given point on the unit circle?
  5. What happens if the point lies on the axes of the unit circle (like (1,0) or (0,1))?

Tip: Always remember to check the quadrant when working with trigonometric identities on the unit circle, as it directly affects the signs of the functions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Unit Circle
Pythagorean Identity
Circular Functions

Formulas

cos^2(θ) + sin^2(θ) = 1
tan(θ) = sin(θ) / cos(θ)
cot(θ) = 1 / tan(θ)
sec(θ) = 1 / cos(θ)
csc(θ) = 1 / sin(θ)

Theorems

Pythagorean Identity

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12