Math Problem Statement

Without using a calculator, compute the sine and cosine of 5π/6 by using the reference angle. What is the reference angle? In what quadrant is this angle? Calculate sin(5π/6) and cos(5π/6).

Solution

From the image, it looks like the question asks you to compute the sine and cosine of 5π6\frac{5\pi}{6} using the reference angle.

Let me guide you step by step:

  1. Find the Reference Angle:

    • The angle 5π6\frac{5\pi}{6} is in the second quadrant because 5π6\frac{5\pi}{6} lies between π2\frac{\pi}{2} and π\pi.
    • The reference angle is calculated as π5π6=π6\pi - \frac{5\pi}{6} = \frac{\pi}{6}.
  2. In Which Quadrant?:

    • As determined, 5π6\frac{5\pi}{6} is in the second quadrant. Therefore, the quadrant is 2.
  3. Compute the Sine and Cosine:

    • In the second quadrant:
      • Sine is positive.
      • Cosine is negative.
    • Using the reference angle π6\frac{\pi}{6}, the sine and cosine values are derived from known trigonometric values:
      • sin(π6)=12\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{6}\right) = \frac{1}{2}, and since sine is positive in the second quadrant: sin(5π6)=12\sin\left(\frac{5\pi}{6}\right) = \frac{1}{2}
      • cos(π6)=32\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{6}\right) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, and since cosine is negative in the second quadrant: cos(5π6)=32\cos\left(\frac{5\pi}{6}\right) = -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}

Correct Answers:

  • Reference Angle: π6\frac{\pi}{6}
  • Quadrant: 2
  • sin(5π6)=12\sin\left(\frac{5\pi}{6}\right) = \frac{1}{2}
  • cos(5π6)=32\cos\left(\frac{5\pi}{6}\right) = -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}

Would you like further clarification or additional examples?


5 Questions for Deeper Understanding:

  1. How do you determine the reference angle for angles in the third and fourth quadrants?
  2. Why are the sine and cosine signs different in each quadrant?
  3. How do you compute other trigonometric values like tangent or cotangent for similar angles?
  4. Can you generalize the reference angle for angles larger than 2π2\pi?
  5. What happens if the given angle is negative—how does that affect the quadrant and reference angle?

Tip:

Always visualize the unit circle when solving trigonometric problems. It helps to determine the quadrant and sign of each trigonometric function!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Reference Angles
Unit Circle

Formulas

sin(π - θ) = sin(θ)
cos(π - θ) = -cos(θ)

Theorems

Signs of Trigonometric Functions by Quadrant

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12