Chapter 6: Problem 70
In Exercises 69-88, evaluate each expression exactly. $$ \sin \left[\cos ^{-1}\left(\frac{2}{3}\right)\right] $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\( \frac{\sqrt{5}}{3} \)
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Problem
We need to evaluate the expression \( \sin \left[ \cos^{-1} \left(\frac{2}{3}\right) \right] \). This means we need to find the sine of an angle whose cosine is \( \frac{2}{3} \).
02
Use Right Triangle Definitions
Consider a right triangle where the angle \( \theta \) has a cosine of \( \frac{2}{3} \). According to the definition of cosine, this means \( \cos \theta = \frac{2}{3} \), or \( \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{2}{3} \). This yields an adjacent side of length 2 and a hypotenuse of length 3.
03
Determine the Opposite Side
Use the Pythagorean theorem, which is \( a^2 + b^2 = c^2 \), to find the length of the opposite side. Let \( a = 2 \) (adjacent side) and \( c = 3 \) (hypotenuse). The equation becomes:\[ (\text{opposite})^2 + 2^2 = 3^2 \] \[ (\text{opposite})^2 + 4 = 9 \] \[ (\text{opposite})^2 = 5 \] Thus, \( \text{opposite} = \sqrt{5} \).
04
Find the Sine Value
Now that we know the opposite side is \( \sqrt{5} \) and the hypotenuse is 3, we can find \( \sin \theta \) using the definition \( \sin \theta = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}} \). Therefore, \( \sin \theta = \frac{\sqrt{5}}{3} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Cosine Inverse
The cosine inverse function, denoted as \( \cos^{-1} \), is a way to find the angle whose cosine value is a given number. It's essentially the reverse of the cosine function, telling us which angle we used to arrive at a specific cosine. Remember, cosine is the ratio of the length of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse in a right triangle. For instance, in the problem \( \cos^{-1} \left(\frac{2}{3}\right) \):
- The given ratio \( \frac{2}{3} \) indicates the relation between the adjacent side and the hypotenuse.
- The angle corresponding to this ratio is the angle, \( \theta \), whose cosine is \( \frac{2}{3} \).
Right Triangle Definitions
A right triangle has one angle exactly 90 degrees. The sides have specific names based on their positions relative to the right angle:
- Adjacent Side: The side adjacent to the angle of interest and not the hypotenuse.
- Opposite Side: The side opposite the angle of interest.
- Hypotenuse: The longest side, opposite the right angle.
- Adjacent side = 2
- Hypotenuse = 3
Pythagorean Theorem
This fundamental principle in geometry relates the sides of a right triangle:\[ a^2 + b^2 = c^2 \]Where \( a \) and \( b \) are the triangle's legs, and \( c \) is the hypotenuse. In the exercise, to find the length of the opposite side:
- Substitute the values into the Pythagorean theorem: \( 2^2 + \text{opposite}^2 = 3^2 \).
- Solve to find \( \text{opposite} = \sqrt{5} \).
Sine Calculation
Sine of an angle in a right triangle is the ratio of the length of the opposite side to the hypotenuse. Using the information from our triangle:
- The opposite side = \( \sqrt{5} \)
- The hypotenuse = 3