Sine, cosine and tangency of angle 11pi/12

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the trigonometric values of the angle \( \frac{11\pi}{12} \), specifically focusing on the calculations of sine, cosine, and tangent. Participants explore various methods of deriving these values, including the use of angle addition formulas and conversions between radians and degrees.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant claims \( \sin \frac{11\pi}{12} = -\frac{\sqrt{2}}{4}(\sqrt{3}-1) \), \( \cos \frac{11\pi}{12} = -\frac{\sqrt{2}}{4}(\sqrt{3}+1) \), and \( \tan \frac{11\pi}{12} = 2-\sqrt{3} \).
  • Another participant questions the correctness of these values, suggesting they seem incorrect.
  • A different participant calculates \( \sin \frac{11\pi}{12} = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{4}(\sqrt{3}-1) \) and expresses confusion over the initial claims.
  • One participant notes that \( \frac{11\pi}{12} \) is equivalent to \( 165 \) degrees and attempts to break it down into \( \frac{\pi}{4} + \frac{2\pi}{3} \), leading to further calculations.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the sine of a sum cannot be simplified to the sum of sines, advocating for the use of the sine addition formula.
  • Participants discuss the correct application of the sine addition formula, indicating that the initial approach was flawed.
  • One participant expresses ongoing confusion about the calculations and seeks clarification on notation and methods used.
  • There is a later agreement on the cosine value \( \cos \frac{11\pi}{12} = -\frac{\sqrt{2}}{4}(\sqrt{3}+1) \), with one participant confirming this result.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the initial sine and tangent values, as there are conflicting calculations and interpretations of the sine addition formula. However, there is agreement on the cosine value presented later in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion regarding the notation and methods used, indicating potential limitations in clarity or understanding of the trigonometric identities involved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals studying trigonometry, particularly those interested in angle addition formulas and the computation of trigonometric values for specific angles in radians.

TonyC
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When I worked this problem, I came up with the following:

sin 11pi/12= -sq root 2/4 (sq root3-1)
cos 11pi/12= -sq root 2/4 (sq root3+1)
tan 11pi/12= 2-sq root3

am I far off?
 
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How did you get that? Does't seem right to me.
 
How did you arrive at those?

For the first one i get

[tex]sin \frac {11 \pi}{12} = \frac {\sqrt 2}{4} (\sqrt 3 - 1)[/tex]
 
I started by working in radians.
 
And then what?
 
11pi/12=165 degrees

11pi/12=pi/4+2pi/3
sq root 3/3+sq root 2/2

If sin 11pi/12=sq root 2/4(sq root 3-1)

I came up with:
cos 11pi/12=sq root 2/4(sq root 3+1)
tan 11pi/12=2-sq root3
 
TonyC said:
11pi/12=165 degrees

11pi/12=pi/4+2pi/3
sq root 3/3+sq root 2/2
This is correct: [tex]\frac{{11\pi }}{{12}} = \frac{\pi }{4} + \frac{{2\pi }}{3}[/tex]

But [itex]\sin \left( {\alpha + \beta } \right) \ne \sin \left( \alpha \right) + \sin \left( \beta \right)[/tex] so you can't just take the sine of both angles!<br /> <br /> Use [itex]\sin \left( {\alpha + \beta } \right) = \sin \left( \alpha \right) \cdot \cos \left( \beta \right) + \cos \left( \alpha \right) \cdot \sin \left( \beta \right)[/itex][/itex]
 
I am still confused...
 
P.S. what program are you using so I don't have to keep writing out the equations long hand?
 
  • #10
Well, we have that [tex]\frac{{11\pi }}{{12}} = \frac{\pi }{4} + \frac{{2\pi }}{3}[/tex]

And we know that:
[tex]\sin \left( {\frac{\pi }{4}} \right) = \frac{{\sqrt 2 }}{2}[/tex]
[tex]\sin \left( {\frac{2\pi }{3}} \right) = \frac{{\sqrt 3 }}{2}[/tex]

But you cannot say now that:
[tex]\sin \left( {\frac{\pi }{4} + \frac{{2\pi }}{3}} \right) = \sin \left( {\frac{\pi }{4}} \right) + \sin \left( {\frac{{2\pi }}{3}} \right) = \frac{{\sqrt 2 }}{2} + \frac{{\sqrt 3 }}{2}[/tex]

That's wrong, you have to use [tex]\sin \left( {\alpha + \beta } \right) = \sin \left( \alpha \right) \cdot \cos \left( \beta \right) + \cos \left( \alpha \right) \cdot \sin \left( \beta \right)[/tex]

Just fill in the formula :smile:
 
  • #11
so by plugging in cos...

I come up with:
cos11pi/12=-sq rt2/4(sq rt3+1)
 
  • #12
That seems correct, [tex]\cos \left( {\frac{{11\pi }}{{12}}} \right) = - \frac{{\sqrt 2 }}{4}\left( {\sqrt 3 + 1} \right)[/tex]
 
  • #13
Again, thank you for your assistance and patience.

:smile:
 
  • #14
No problem, you were on the right track for a longer time but I didn't understand your notation at first hehe.
 

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