Chapter 6: Problem 12
Find the exact circular function value for each of the following. $$\cot \frac{5 \pi}{6}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The exact value for \(\text{cot} \frac{5 \pi}{6} \) is \(-\sqrt{3}\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Angle in Radians
Recognize that the given angle is \(\frac{5 \pi}{6}\). This angle can be placed in the unit circle for reference.
02
Locate the Angle in the Unit Circle
The angle \(\frac{5 \pi}{6}\) lies in the second quadrant because \(\frac{5 \pi}{6} \) is slightly less than \(\pi\) radians (180 degrees). This places it in the second quadrant.
03
Determine Reference Angle and Value
Find the reference angle for \(\frac{5 \pi}{6}\), which is \(\pi - \frac{5 \pi}{6} = \frac{\pi}{6}\). We now use the reference angle to find the required trigonometric values.
04
Use Properties of Cotangent
The cotangent function is defined as \( \text{cot}(x) = \frac{\text{cos}(x)}{\text{sin}(x)} \).
05
Substitute Known Values
From the unit circle, we know \(\text{sin}\frac{\pi}{6} = \frac{1}{2}\) and \(\text{cos}\frac{\pi}{6} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\). Since we are in the second quadrant and cosine is negative while sine is positive: \( \text{cos} \frac{5 \pi}{6} = -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, \text{sin} \frac{5 \pi}{6} = \frac{1}{2} \).
06
Calculate Cotangent Value
Substitute the known values for cosine and sine into the cotangent function: \( \text{cot} \frac{5 \pi}{6} = \frac{ \text{cos} \frac{5 \pi}{6} }{ \text{sin} \frac{5 \pi}{6} } = \frac{ -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} }{ \frac{1}{2} } = -\sqrt{3} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Unit Circle
The unit circle is a powerful tool in trigonometry. It's a circle with a radius of 1 centered at the origin on the coordinate plane. Every point on this circle corresponds to an angle's cosine and sine values.
The angle in question, \( \frac{5 \pi}{6} \), can be plotted on the unit circle.
Here are some essential facts about the unit circle:
The angle in question, \( \frac{5 \pi}{6} \), can be plotted on the unit circle.
Here are some essential facts about the unit circle:
- The coordinates of any point on it are (cos θ, sin θ).
- The angle θ (in radians) is measured from the positive x-axis.
- Angles in the unit circle can go from 0 to 2Ï€ for one full revolution.
Cotangent
Cotangent, often abbreviated as 'cot,' is one of the six main trigonometric functions.
The cotangent of an angle θ is defined as the reciprocal of the tangent of θ. In mathematical terms:
\[ \text{cot}(\theta) = \frac{\text{cos}(\theta)}{\text{sin}(\theta)} \]
This means that cotangent is the ratio of the adjacent side to the opposite side in a right-angled triangle when the angle is θ.
The cotangent of an angle θ is defined as the reciprocal of the tangent of θ. In mathematical terms:
\[ \text{cot}(\theta) = \frac{\text{cos}(\theta)}{\text{sin}(\theta)} \]
This means that cotangent is the ratio of the adjacent side to the opposite side in a right-angled triangle when the angle is θ.
- Cotangent is positive in the first and third quadrants.
- It is negative in the second and fourth quadrants.
Reference Angle
Reference angles are smaller angles that help in calculating trigonometric functions for larger angles.
To find a reference angle, you essentially 'fold' a larger angle back into the first quadrant. The reference angle will always be between 0 and \(\frac{\pi}{2} \) or 0 and 90 degrees.
Here's how you find the reference angle for \( \frac{5 \pi}{6} \):
To find a reference angle, you essentially 'fold' a larger angle back into the first quadrant. The reference angle will always be between 0 and \(\frac{\pi}{2} \) or 0 and 90 degrees.
Here's how you find the reference angle for \( \frac{5 \pi}{6} \):
- It's in the second quadrant.
- Subtract the angle from \( \pi \): \[ \pi - \frac{5 \pi}{6} = \frac{ \pi}{6} \]
Radian Measure
Radians are another way to measure angles, besides degrees.
A radian measures the angle created when the radius of a circle is wrapped along its circumference.
One complete revolution around the unit circle is 2Ï€ radians, which is equivalent to 360 degrees:
A radian measures the angle created when the radius of a circle is wrapped along its circumference.
One complete revolution around the unit circle is 2Ï€ radians, which is equivalent to 360 degrees:
- \( \pi \) radians is equal to 180 degrees.
- \( \frac{\pi}{2} \) radians is equal to 90 degrees.