Math Problem Statement

Find the point (x, y) on the unit circle that corresponds to the real number t = -5π/4.

Solution

The problem asks for the point (x,y)(x, y) on the unit circle that corresponds to t=5π4t = \frac{-5\pi}{4}.

Solution:

The coordinates of a point on the unit circle for an angle tt are given by: (x,y)=(cost,sint)(x, y) = (\cos t, \sin t)

Step 1: Convert tt to a standard angle

Since angles on the unit circle are typically measured in radians from 00 to 2π2\pi, we find the equivalent positive angle:

5π4+2π=5π4+8π4=3π4\frac{-5\pi}{4} + 2\pi = \frac{-5\pi}{4} + \frac{8\pi}{4} = \frac{3\pi}{4}

Thus, 5π4\frac{-5\pi}{4} corresponds to 3π4\frac{3\pi}{4}.

Step 2: Find cos\cos and sin\sin

From unit circle values:

cos3π4=22,sin3π4=22\cos \frac{3\pi}{4} = -\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}, \quad \sin \frac{3\pi}{4} = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}

Thus, the point is:

(x,y)=(22,22)(x, y) = \left(-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}, \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \right)

Final Answer:

(22,22)\left(-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}, \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \right)

Would you like a deeper explanation or more practice problems?

Related Questions:

  1. How do you find coterminal angles for a given radian measure?
  2. What is the general formula for finding points on the unit circle?
  3. How do sine and cosine values change in different quadrants?
  4. How do you convert between degrees and radians?
  5. What is the significance of the unit circle in trigonometry?

Tip:

To find equivalent angles, always add or subtract multiples of 2π2\pi until you get an angle within [0,2π][0, 2\pi].

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Unit Circle
Trigonometry
Angles
Cosine and Sine Functions

Formulas

(x, y) = (cos(t), sin(t))

Theorems

Unit Circle Theorem
Conversion of Angles to Standard Position

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12