Chapter 0: Problem 28
Find the exact values. Hint: Half-angle identities may be helpful. $$ \sin ^{2} \frac{\pi}{6} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(\sin^2 \frac{\pi}{6} = \frac{1}{4}\)
Step by step solution
01
Recall the Half-Angle Identity
The half-angle identity for sine is given by: \[\sin^2\left(\frac{\theta}{2}\right) = \frac{1 - \cos\theta}{2}\] This identity will help us find \(\sin^2 \frac{\pi}{6}\).
02
Identify \(\theta\)
Since we are given \(\sin^2 \frac{\pi}{6}\), we can see that \(\frac{\pi}{6}\) is half of \(\frac{\pi}{3}\) because:\[2 \times \frac{\pi}{6} = \frac{\pi}{3}\]Thus, \(\theta = \frac{\pi}{3}\).
03
Find \(\cos\theta\)
We know from trigonometric values:\[\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{3}\right) = \frac{1}{2}\] Now, we'll use this in the half-angle identity.
04
Substitute into the Half-Angle Identity
Substitute \(\cos\theta = \frac{1}{2}\) into the half-angle identity:\[\sin^2\left(\frac{\pi}{6}\right) = \frac{1 - \frac{1}{2}}{2} = \frac{1/2}{2} = \frac{1}{4}\] This gives us the exact value of \(\sin^2 \frac{\pi}{6}\).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Half-Angle Identities
Half-angle identities are a key tool in trigonometry that help us calculate the values of trigonometric functions at half angles. These identities are particularly useful when the angle in question is not a special angle that you immediately recognize.
For example, the half-angle identity for sine is expressed as \( \sin^2\left(\frac{\theta}{2}\right) = \frac{1 - \cos\theta}{2} \). This formula facilitates the calculation of the sine of half an angle using the cosine of the full angle.
For example, the half-angle identity for sine is expressed as \( \sin^2\left(\frac{\theta}{2}\right) = \frac{1 - \cos\theta}{2} \). This formula facilitates the calculation of the sine of half an angle using the cosine of the full angle.
- This identity can be especially handy for angles such as \(\frac{\pi}{6}\), which are not directly available in the commonly used trigonometric tables.
- By systematically applying half-angle identities, you can deduce precise trigonometric values without relying on calculators.
- It's essential to remember that these identities derive from the angle addition and double angle formulas in trigonometry, reflecting the deep interconnectedness of trigonometric functions.
Sine Function
The sine function is a fundamental component of trigonometry, describing the relationship between certain angles and the ratios of sides in right-angle triangles. Sine functions are periodic with a period of \(2\pi\), meaning they repeat their values in regular intervals. The typical range of sine values is between -1 and 1.
The sine of an angle \(\theta\) in a right triangle is defined as the ratio of the length of the side opposite the angle to the hypotenuse. Mathematically, it is expressed as \(\sin \theta = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}}\). For unit circles, where the hypotenuse is 1, this definition simplifies the understanding and computation of the sine values.
The sine of an angle \(\theta\) in a right triangle is defined as the ratio of the length of the side opposite the angle to the hypotenuse. Mathematically, it is expressed as \(\sin \theta = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}}\). For unit circles, where the hypotenuse is 1, this definition simplifies the understanding and computation of the sine values.
- The sine function is crucial for modeling oscillations, such as sound waves and light waves, in physics.
- Knowing how to transform and manipulate sine functions, particularly through identities like the half-angle identity, improves your ability to solve a variety of trigonometric problems.
- Understanding and memorizing the sine values of common angles, like \(0, \frac{\pi}{6}, \frac{\pi}{4}, \pi/3,\) and \(\pi/2\) will greatly enhance your problem-solving efficiency.
Trigonometric Values
Trigonometric values constitute the numerical expressions of angles within the context of the trigonometric functions: sine, cosine, tangent, and their reciprocals. Each angle has a specific value in terms of these functions, and knowing these values is crucial for solving trigonometric equations efficiently.
- The trigonometric value of \(\cos(\frac{\pi}{3})\) is \(\frac{1}{2}\), which is used in the half-angle identity to find \(\sin^2\left(\frac{\pi}{6}\right)\).
- Recognizing these core trigonometric values allows you to work quickly through calculations that would otherwise require lengthy derivations.
- A solid grasp of these values aids in understanding the deeper properties and behaviors of trigonometric functions in both mathematical and applied contexts.