Chapter 6: Problem 22
Find the exact value of the trigonometric function. $$\cos 660^{\circ}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The exact value of \(\cos 660^{\circ}\) is \(\frac{1}{2}\).
Step by step solution
01
Determine Principal Angle
The first step is to reduce the angle \(660^{\circ}\) to a principal angle between \(0^{\circ}\) and \(360^{\circ}\). To do this, subtract \(360^{\circ}\) from \(660^{\circ}\) until the result is in the desired range. \[ 660^{\circ} - 360^{\circ} = 300^{\circ} \] Thus, \(660^{\circ}\) corresponds to \(300^{\circ}\) in the standard position.
02
Identify Reference Angle
To find the reference angle for \(300^{\circ}\), subtract \(300^{\circ}\) from \(360^{\circ}\). \[ 360^{\circ} - 300^{\circ} = 60^{\circ} \] The reference angle is \(60^{\circ}\).
03
Use Unit Circle Values
The reference angle is in the fourth quadrant, where the cosine function is positive. The cosine of \(60^{\circ}\) is \(\frac{1}{2}\). Therefore, in the fourth quadrant, \(\cos(300^{\circ}) = \cos(60^{\circ}) = \frac{1}{2}\).
04
Conclusion
Thus, the value of \(\cos 660^{\circ}\) is the same as \(\cos 300^{\circ}\), which is \(\frac{1}{2}\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Principal Angle
When working with angles in trigonometry, especially those beyond the basic 0° to 360° range, the principal angle is crucial. A principal angle is the simplest form of an angle, reduced to a value between 0° and 360°. This simplification is helpful for evaluating trigonometric functions without the complexity of large angle degrees.
To turn any given angle into its principal angle:
To turn any given angle into its principal angle:
- Subtract 360° repeatedly until the angle falls within the 0° to 360° range.
- This process ensures the angle corresponds to a point on the unit circle, making calculations easier.
Reference Angle
A reference angle helps to simplify analysis of trigonometric functions by relating an angle to its acute equivalent measuring between 0° and 90°. This equivalency is beneficial as the trigonometric values at a reference angle can be reflected in other quadrants with simple sign changes.
To find a reference angle:
To find a reference angle:
- Identify the quadrant where the angle's terminal side resides.
- If the angle is in the third or fourth quadrant, subtract the value from 360° (e.g., 360° - 300° = 60° in our case).
Unit Circle
The unit circle is a fundamental concept in trigonometry that represents all the angles and their trigonometric values within a circle of radius 1 centered at the origin of the coordinate plane. It is invaluable for understanding the sine, cosine, and tangent functions from -1 to 1.
Important features of the unit circle include:
Important features of the unit circle include:
- Radius equals 1, simplifying calculations and providing clear interpretations for angles.
- Cosine values correspond to the x-coordinates, and sine values correspond to y-coordinates of the point where an angle's terminal side intersects the circle.