Chapter 4: Problem 41
Evaluate the trigonometric function using its period as an aid. $$ \sin \left(-\frac{8 \pi}{3}\right) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(\sin(-8\pi / 3) = \sqrt{3}/2\)
Step by step solution
01
Identification of Periodic Function
The given function is a trigonometric function \(\sin(-8\pi / 3)\). We know that sine is a periodic function with a period of \(2\pi\). This means that if you go \(2\pi\) units in either direction on the x-axis, the y-value (or output) will be the same.
02
Dividing the Angle by the Period
In the given function, the angle is \(-8\pi/3\). We can divide this value by the period of sine function i.e. \(2\pi\) to estimate the number of complete cycles the function passes through. Doing this gives \((-8\pi/3)/(2\pi)\) = -4/3 cycles.
03
Calculate the Remaining Angle
We know from step 2 that there are exactly -4/3 cycles. But to return to an equivalent angle in the range from 0 to \(2\pi\), one full cycle (or \(2\pi\) radians) needs to be added. This gives us the equivalent positive angle as \(2\pi - 8\pi / 3\), which simplifies to \(2\pi/3\) radian.
04
Evaluate the Function
Finally, we evaluate \(\sin(2\pi / 3)\). Recall that \(\sin\theta\) returns the y-coordinate of the point on the unit circle that is an angle theta counter-clockwise from the point (1,0), so we know \(\sin(2\pi / 3) = \sqrt{3}/2\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Periodic Functions
In mathematics, a **periodic function** is a function that repeats its values at regular intervals or periods. The concept is crucial when dealing with trigonometric functions such as sine and cosine. Periodic functions have a vast range of applications, from signal processing to the study of waves and vibrations.
Key Characteristics of Periodic Functions:
Key Characteristics of Periodic Functions:
- Repetition: The function values repeat after a specific interval known as the period.
- Trigonometric Functions: Functions like sine and cosine are inherently periodic with a period of \(2\pi\).
Sine Function
The **sine function** is one of the primary functions in trigonometry, represented as \(\sin(\theta)\). It is used to find the y-coordinate on the unit circle for a given angle. The sine function is periodic and repeats its cycle every \(2\pi\) radians.
Characteristics of Sine Function:
Characteristics of Sine Function:
- The range of \(\sin(\theta)\) is from -1 to 1.
- It starts at 0 when \(\theta = 0\), reaches a maximum of 1 at \(\pi/2\), returns to 0 at \(\pi\), and a minimum of -1 at \(3\pi/2\).
- The opposite values are taken at opposite angles, i.e., \(\sin(-\theta) = -\sin(\theta)\).
Unit Circle
The **unit circle** is a circle with a radius of 1 centered at the origin of the coordinate plane. It is fundamental to trigonometry, serving as a visualization tool for the sine, cosine, and tangent functions.
Key Aspects of the Unit Circle:
Key Aspects of the Unit Circle:
- The angle \(\theta\) on the unit circle is measured from the positive x-axis, moving counter-clockwise.
- The x-coordinate corresponds to \(\cos(\theta)\) and the y-coordinate corresponds to \(\sin(\theta)\).
- Full rotation around the circle is \(2\pi\) radians or 360 degrees.
Radians
**Radians** are a unit of angular measure used in much of mathematics. Unlike degrees, radians provide a direct relationship between the radius of a circle and the arc length.
Benefits of Using Radians:
Benefits of Using Radians:
- A full circle is \(2\pi\) radians, which is approximately 6.283 radians.
- Radians allow for simpler and more natural formulas in calculus and other mathematics.
- Angular displacement can be easily related to arc length with the formula \(\text{Arc Length} = \text{Radius} \times \text{Angle in Radians}\).