Finding Coordinates of Point P in Quadrant 2 with sin(-)=m

  • #1
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Homework Statement


Point P is the intersection of the terminal arm of angle (-) in standard position and the unit circle with centre (0, 0). If P is in quadrant 2 and sin (-)= m, determine the coordinates of P in terms of m.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


no idea
 
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  • #2


This is a lovely example of the special properties of the unit circle. The first thing you should do though with a problem like this is draw a picture.

http://img24.imageshack.us/my.php?image=tempw.jpg
 
  • #4


FalconF1, what is the definition of [tex]sin \theta[/tex] and [tex]cos \theta[/tex] in a unit circle?


01
 
  • #5


The definition of sin theta in any case is opposite/hypotenuse and cos theta is adjecent/hypotenuse. The unit circle has a radius of 1 so any right triangle with vertices at the origin, a point P on the circle, and the X or Y axis ( is a purely your choice, most choose the X axis ) will have a hypotenuse of 1. So if you chose to drop to the X axis then sin theta = Y/1 and cos theta = X/1.
 
  • #6


My teacher used to say that the easiest way to remember sin theta is Y sin
 
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