Chapter 6: Problem 9
9–32 Find the exact value of the trigonometric function. $$\sin 150^{\circ}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\( \sin 150^{\circ} = \frac{1}{2} \)
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Reference Angle
First, recognize that the given angle is 150°. Since this angle is in the second quadrant, find the reference angle. The reference angle for an angle greater than 90° and less than 180° can be found by subtracting the given angle from 180°. Thus, the reference angle for 150° is 180° - 150° = 30°.
02
Determine the Sine Value of the Reference Angle
Recall the sine value of the reference angle. The sine of 30° is a well-known trigonometric value. From trigonometric tables or knowledge, we know that \( \sin 30^{\circ} = \frac{1}{2} \).
03
Determine the Sign of Sin in the Second Quadrant
In the unit circle, the sine function is positive in the first and second quadrants. Since 150° is in the second quadrant, \( \sin 150^{\circ} \) will have the same positive sign as \( \sin 30^{\circ} \).
04
Conclude with the Sine Value
Since the reference angle 30° has a sine value of \( \frac{1}{2} \) and the sine function is positive in the second quadrant, \( \sin 150^{\circ} = \frac{1}{2} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Reference Angle
When working with angles, especially in trigonometry, the concept of a reference angle is extremely helpful. A reference angle is the smallest angle that can be formed between the terminal side of a given angle and the x-axis.
It is always a non-negative angle ranging between 0° and 90°. Identifying the reference angle allows you to simplify the calculation of trigonometric functions.
It is always a non-negative angle ranging between 0° and 90°. Identifying the reference angle allows you to simplify the calculation of trigonometric functions.
- For angles in the second quadrant (like 150°), the reference angle is found by subtracting the given angle from 180°: thus, for 150°, the reference angle is 180° - 150° = 30°.
- In the third quadrant, subtract the angle from 180° again, while in the fourth quadrant, subtract the angle from 360°.
Unit Circle
The unit circle is a fundamental tool in trigonometry. It is a circle with a radius of 1, centered at the origin of a coordinate plane. Understanding the unit circle can help to visualize angles and calculate trigonometric functions efficiently.
- The angle's position on the unit circle is defined in counterclockwise from the positive x-axis.
- The circle's quadrants determine the sine (y-coordinate) and cosine (x-coordinate) values' positivity or negativity.
Sine Function
The sine function is one of the primary trigonometric functions, and it is expressed as the y-coordinate of a point on the unit circle for a given angle. This function tells us how far "up or down" a point on the circle is.
- The sine of an angle is the length of the side opposite the angle, divided by the hypotenuse in a right triangle perspective.
- The sine function is periodic, repeating every 360° or 2π radians.
Quadrants
Each of the four sections that the coordinate plane is divided into is called a quadrant. Understanding in which quadrant an angle falls can tell you the signs of the trigonometric functions.
- Quadrant I: positive sine, cosine, and tangent.
- Quadrant II: positive sine and negative cosine and tangent.
- Quadrant III: negative sine, cosine, and positive tangent.
- Quadrant IV: negative sine and positive cosine and tangent.
Exact Values
Exact values in trigonometry provide precise, non-rounded values for trigonometric functions at key angles. These values are rooted in the special angles, such as 30°, 45°, 60°, and they typically appear as simple fractions or square roots that are well-known and used frequently.
- The sine of 30° is an important exact value: \( \sin 30^{\circ} = \frac{1}{2} \).
- For angles like 150°, which is in the second quadrant, the sine takes the same positive value as its reference angle, 30°.