Chapter 2: Problem 21
Name the reference angle \(\theta_{r}\) for the angle \(\theta\) given. $$\theta=-168.4^{\circ}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The reference angle is \(11.6^{\circ}\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the concept of reference angle
The reference angle \(\theta_r\) is the smallest angle between the given angle \(\theta\) and the x-axis. It is always positive and is less than or equal to \(90^{\circ}\). Reference angles are always measured in the first quadrant.
02
Adjust for a positive angle
Since the given angle \(\theta = -168.4^{\circ}\) is negative, we need to find its positive equivalent within the standard \(0^{\circ} - 360^{\circ}\) range. This is done by adding \(360^{\circ}\) to the negative angle: \(-168.4^{\circ} + 360^{\circ} = 191.6^{\circ}\).
03
Determine the correct quadrant
The positive angle \(191.6^{\circ}\) lies in the third quadrant because it falls between \(180^{\circ}\) and \(270^{\circ}\). Angles in the third quadrant have their reference angles measured from \(180^{\circ}\).
04
Calculate the reference angle
For angles in the third quadrant, the reference angle \(\theta_r\) is \(\theta - 180^{\circ}\). Hence, the reference angle is \(191.6^{\circ} - 180^{\circ} = 11.6^{\circ}\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Positive Equivalent Angle: Converting Negative Angles
When dealing with angles, it's common to encounter negative angles. They simply indicate a clockwise rotation, as opposed to a counterclockwise one for positive angles. To work with these in a standard context, it's often useful to find what's called the 'positive equivalent angle'. This essentially translates a negative angle into a positive measure that fits within the conventional circle of angles: 0° to 360°.
Here's how you can find a positive equivalent angle:
Here's how you can find a positive equivalent angle:
- Start with your given negative angle. For instance, in our problem, it's \(-168.4^{\circ}\).
- Add \(360^{\circ}\) to this angle. This shifts the angle into the positive range while maintaining the same directional rotation on the circle.
- Thus, \(-168.4^{\circ} + 360^{\circ} = 191.6^{\circ}\).
Quadrant Identification: Locating Your Angle
Understanding which quadrant an angle lies in is crucial for determining the reference angle, as well as for other trigonometric calculations. The four quadrants of a circle are divided by angles at the axes:
This is important because the reference angle is calculated differently in each quadrant, depending on its relation to the nearest axis. In the third quadrant, this involves subtracting \(180^{\circ}\) from the angle.
- First Quadrant: 0° to 90°
- Second Quadrant: 90° to 180°
- Third Quadrant: 180° to 270°
- Fourth Quadrant: 270° to 360°
This is important because the reference angle is calculated differently in each quadrant, depending on its relation to the nearest axis. In the third quadrant, this involves subtracting \(180^{\circ}\) from the angle.
Angle Measurement: Calculating the Reference Angle
The reference angle is a fundamental concept in trigonometry. It's a measure of an angle's distance from the x-axis and is always between 0° and 90°, ensuring it's positive and acute.
Here's how to find the reference angle for a given angle:
Here's how to find the reference angle for a given angle:
- If the angle is in the First Quadrant, the reference angle is the angle itself.
- If it's in the Second Quadrant, use \(180^{\circ} - \theta\).
- In the Third Quadrant, subtract \(180^{\circ}\) from the angle. For \(191.6^{\circ}\), this calculation is \(191.6^{\circ} - 180^{\circ} = 11.6^{\circ}\).
- Finally, in the Fourth Quadrant, use \(360^{\circ} - \theta\).