Find Angles for sin \theta=-0.0135

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding all angles \(\theta\) in the interval [0, 2π) that satisfy the equation \(\sin \theta = -0.0135\). The context is trigonometric functions and their properties, particularly focusing on the sine function and its behavior in different quadrants.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find angles using the inverse sine function and reference angles, noting confusion about obtaining a third quadrant angle. Others discuss the implications of small sine values and the need for precision in calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different approaches to finding the angles, with some suggesting that the original poster's calculations may be close but not exact. There is ongoing clarification about the treatment of negative angles and the properties of the sine function in various quadrants.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the requirement to round answers to the nearest hundredth and discussing the implications of using approximations in their calculations.

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Homework Statement



Approximate, to the nearest 0.01 radian, all angles [tex]\theta[/tex] in the interval [0,2pi) that satisfy the equation.

sin [tex]\theta[/tex]= -0.0135


Homework Equations



Inverse sin, reference angle formulas



The Attempt at a Solution



The inverse sin is -.01, so the reference angle for this is .01. If I subtract this from 2pi, I'll get 6.27 radians which checks out. I know the other angle should be in the third quadrant because sin is negative. I'm stuck here. I thought to get an angle in the third quadrant, you take the reference angle and subtract pi from it. This give me a negative number. I don't know what I've done wrong.

Thanks for the help in advance. :)
 
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I think I might have figured it out on my own, but want to check. I'm getting angles (in radians) 6.27 and 3.15. When I try and find the sin of 3.15, I get -.0099998333... which is not -0.0135, but is close.

Is this right?
 
Notice sin(x) is small so the approximation x=sin(x) holds
you need a few more digits
Arcsin(-0.0135)=-0.0135
3.14159+0.0135=3.1551
6.28319-0.0135=6.2697
 
I'm guessing it's off because the answers asked for is to the hundredth decimal place. I think the idea that a negative inverse should be treated as positive regardless.
 
I'm not sure what you mean by "a negative inverse should be treated as positive regardless". If you mean, "use a calculator and, if the answer is negative, just drop it the negative sign", that's wrong: sin(-x)= -sin(x) not sin(x). What is true is that sin x is negative for [itex]\pi< x< 2\pi[/itex] and [itex]sin(2\pi+ x)= sin(x)[/itex]. If your calculator gives you a negative x, ad [itex]2\pi[itex]to it.[/itex][/itex]
 

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