Chapter 13: Problem 39
Sketch each angle. Then find its reference angle. \(-125^{\circ}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The reference angle is \(55^{\circ}\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Quadrant
The angle given is \(-125^{\circ}\). Since it is negative, it is measured clockwise from the positive x-axis. Start by adding \(360^{\circ}\) to find the equivalent positive angle: \(-125^{\circ} + 360^{\circ} = 235^{\circ}\). The angle of \(235^{\circ}\) lies in the third quadrant.
02
Sketch the Angle
To sketch \(-125^{\circ}\), move clockwise from the positive x-axis. Initially, \(-90^{\circ}\) gets you to the negative y-axis (downward), and continuing to \(-125^{\circ}\) places the terminal side in the third quadrant, closer to the negative x-axis.
03
Calculate the Reference Angle
The reference angle is the acute angle that the terminal side of the angle makes with the x-axis. For angles in the third quadrant, subtract \(180^{\circ}\) from the angle. The reference angle is \(235^{\circ} - 180^{\circ} = 55^{\circ}\).
04
Verification
Verify the calculations: Since the angle \(235^{\circ}\) was in the third quadrant, and subtracting \(180^{\circ}\) gives a positive angle, the reference angle for \(-125^{\circ}\) is indeed \(55^{\circ}\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Reference Angle
In trigonometry, a reference angle is an important concept for simplifying the understanding and calculation of an angle. The reference angle is always the smallest angle a given angle makes with the x-axis. The goal is to find an acute angle (an angle less than 90°) that helps reference the original angle.
To calculate the reference angle, consider the following:
To calculate the reference angle, consider the following:
- For angles in the first quadrant, the reference angle is the angle itself.
- In the second quadrant, subtract the angle from 180°.
- In the third quadrant, subtract 180° from the angle.
- For angles in the fourth quadrant, subtract the angle from 360°.
Quadrant Determination
Understanding which quadrant an angle lies in is foundational to mastering trigonometry. Angles provide direction from the positive x-axis, and are measured counterclockwise. However, negative angles advance clockwise, making them equally important in calculations. Quadrants in a coordinate plane are defined in the following order:
- First Quadrant (0° to 90°) - All sine, cosine, and tangent values are positive.
- Second Quadrant (90° to 180°) - Sine values are positive while cosine and tangent are negative.
- Third Quadrant (180° to 270°) - Tangent values are positive, but sine and cosine are negative.
- Fourth Quadrant (270° to 360°) - Cosine values are positive, but sine and tangent are negative.
Angle Sketching
Visualizing angles helps reinforce understanding and assists in calculations. Sketching an angle involves showing the angle's direction from a starting position (the positive x-axis) and indicating its terminal side. When dealing with negative angles, begin by moving clockwise from the positive x-axis.
Below is a simple method to sketch an angle:
Below is a simple method to sketch an angle:
- Identify if the angle is positive or negative.
- If positive, proceed counterclockwise from the positive x-axis. If negative, move clockwise.
- Stop at the degree measurement of your angle.