Chapter 11: Problem 13
Use a calculator to find the indicated cosine ratio to four decimal places. $$\cos 90^{\circ}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\( \cos 90^{\circ} = 0 \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the cosine function
The cosine function, denoted as \( \cos \theta \), measures the ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse in a right-angled triangle for an angle \( \theta \). It is also defined on the unit circle as the x-coordinate of the point that corresponds to the angle \( \theta \).
02
Identify the specified angle
In this problem, the angle given is \( 90^{\circ} \). On the unit circle, this angle is located at the positive y-axis.
03
Find the cosine of 90 degrees
On the unit circle, the coordinates for \( 90^{\circ} \) are \((0, 1)\). The cosine is the x-coordinate of this point. Therefore, \( \cos 90^{\circ} = 0 \).
04
Confirm with a calculator
To ensure accuracy, use a calculator. Enter \( \cos 90 \) and verify that the calculator reads out 0. This helps confirm our finding using the unit circle.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Trigonometric Ratios
Trigonometric ratios are fundamental in understanding relationships in right-angled triangles and the unit circle. The primary trigonometric ratios include sine, cosine, and tangent, each defined by the sides of a right-angled triangle:
- Sine (\( \sin \theta \)): The ratio of the opposite side to the hypotenuse.
- Cosine (\( \cos \theta \)): The ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse.
- Tangent (\( \tan \theta \)): The ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side.
Unit Circle
The unit circle is a powerful mathematical tool that marries geometry and trigonometry. It's a circle with a radius of one, centered at the origin of a coordinate system. This simple structure offers a wealth of insights into trigonometric functions.
The circle allows for visualization of angles and their corresponding sine and cosine values:
The circle allows for visualization of angles and their corresponding sine and cosine values:
- Each angle \( \theta \) on the unit circle corresponds to a point \((x, y)\).
- The \(x\) coordinate represents the cosine of the angle (\( \cos \theta \)).
- The \(y\) coordinate represents the sine of the angle (\( \sin \theta \)).
Right-Angled Triangles
Right-angled triangles are the cornerstone of trigonometry. With one angle fixed at \(90^{\circ}\), these triangles allow us to apply trigonometric ratios effectively.
The essential properties include:
The essential properties include:
- The side opposite the right-angle is the hypotenuse—the longest side.
- The two other sides are the 'adjacent' and 'opposite' sides, depending on the angle in question.
- Right-angled triangles are the foundation for defining trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine, and tangent.