1. Sep 25, 2005 #1

   cscott

   

   How can I work out exact values for trig functions like sin(30) and cos(3pi/2)?

    

   cscott, Sep 25, 2005
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3. Sep 25, 2005 #2

   hypermorphism

   

   For simple expressions, use trigonometric/complex identities to reduce to terms you already know. For more complicated expressions, use series, ie., Taylor or Euler's expansions.

    

   hypermorphism, Sep 25, 2005
4. Sep 25, 2005 #3

   Jameson

   

   Like the decimal values? Without a calculator?
   
   I would just draw out the triangle and leave the answer in the exact radical form, like in your first example. But [itex]\cos{\frac{3\pi}{2}}[/itex] is 0 so that should be easy.

    

   Jameson, Sep 25, 2005
5. Sep 25, 2005 #4

   cscott

   

   Ah thanks.

    

   cscott, Sep 25, 2005

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