Chapter 5: Problem 66
Find the exact value of each expression without using a calculator. Check your answer with a calculator. $$\frac{\sin (-3 \pi / 4)}{\cos (-3 \pi / 4)}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The exact value is 1.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the given expression
The given expression is \(\frac{\sin(-3 \pi / 4)}{\cos(-3 \pi / 4)}\). Recall that \(\sin\) and \(\cos\) are trigonometric functions that we can associate with angles on the unit circle.
02
Convert to positive angle
Convert the negative angle \(-3\pi/4\) to a positive angle by adding \(2\pi\): \[ -3\pi/4 + 2\pi = -3\pi/4 + 8\pi/4 = 5\pi/4 \].
03
Analyze the unit circle
The angle \(5\pi / 4\) is in the third quadrant, where \(\sin\) and \(\cos\) are both negative. This can be seen by referencing the unit circle.
04
Evaluate \(\sin(5\pi / 4)\)
\( \sin(5\pi / 4) = -\sin(\pi /4) \). Since \(\sin(\pi / 4) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\), we have \(\sin(5\pi / 4) = -\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \).
05
Evaluate \(\cos(5\pi / 4)\)
\( \cos(5\pi / 4) = -\cos(\pi /4) \). Since \(\cos(\pi / 4) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\), we have \(\cos(5\pi / 4) = -\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \).
06
Substitute and simplify
Substitute the values found into the original expression: \[ \frac{\sin(5\pi / 4)}{\cos(5\pi / 4)} = \frac{-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}}{-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}} = 1 \].
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.
Unit Circle
The unit circle is a fundamental concept in trigonometry. It is a circle with a radius of 1, centered at the origin of the coordinate plane. Each point on the unit circle corresponds to an angle measured from the positive x-axis. This makes it easy to understand sine and cosine, which are the y and x coordinates of these points respectively.
Let's explore more:
Let's explore more:
- The angle in radians is the length of the arc formed by the angle on the unit circle.
- Important angles to remember are \( \frac{\pi}{4} \), \( \frac{\pi}{3} \), \( \frac{\pi}{2} \), \( \pi \), and their multiples.
- In each quadrant of the circle, sine and cosine take on different signs.
Angle Conversion
Sometimes, angles are presented in a way that might not be immediately recognizable. Converting between different representations helps in solving problems.
For instance, converting a negative angle to its positive counterpart:
For instance, converting a negative angle to its positive counterpart:
- If we have a negative angle like \( -3\frac{\pi}{4} \), we can add \ 2\pi \ (one full rotation) to get a positive angle:
- \begin{align*} -3\frac{\pi}{4} + 2\pi &= -3\frac{\pi}{4} + 8\frac{\pi}{4} \ & = \5\frac{\pi}{4} \end{align*}
Simplification
Simplification is about reducing expressions to their simplest form. For trigonometric functions, it often involves using known values and properties.
Consider the exercise: \sin(5\frac{\pi}{4}) \ and \cos(5\frac{\pi}{4})\:
Consider the exercise: \sin(5\frac{\pi}{4}) \ and \cos(5\frac{\pi}{4})\:
- First, identify the quadrant. \( \5\frac{\pi}{4} \) falls in the third quadrant.
- In the third quadrant, both sine and cosine are negative.
- \begin{align*} \sin(5\frac{\pi}{4}) & = -\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \ \cos(5\frac{\pi}{4}) & = -\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} \end{align*}
- Therefore, \( \frac{\sin(5\frac{\pi}{4})}{\cos(5\frac{\pi}{4})} = 1 \).