How Can Trigonometry Help Find an Obtuse Angle in a Circle Sector?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding an obtuse angle in a circle sector using trigonometric principles. A sector AOB with a radius of 5 cm and an area of triangle AOB equal to 8 cm² is analyzed. The sine function is utilized to determine the angle θ, where sin(θ) = 0.64 leads to two solutions: θ = 0.694 radians (acute) and θ = π - 0.694 radians (obtuse). The key takeaway is that understanding the sine curve allows for the identification of both acute and obtuse angles in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric functions, specifically sine.
  • Knowledge of circle geometry, including sectors and chords.
  • Familiarity with radians and their conversion to degrees.
  • Ability to calculate areas of triangles within circular sectors.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the unit circle and its application in trigonometry.
  • Learn about the properties of sine and cosine functions in different quadrants.
  • Explore the relationship between triangle areas and angles in circle sectors.
  • Practice solving trigonometric equations involving obtuse angles.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying trigonometry, geometry enthusiasts, and educators looking to enhance their understanding of angle calculations in circular contexts.

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A sector of a circle, let's say AOB with circle centre O and radius 5cm has a chord subtended from A to B. This chord forms a triangle with centre 0. Angle 0 isθradians, and the area of triangle A0B is 8cm2. Given that angle AOB is obtuse, findθ.

I worked out Sin-1(0.64)= 0.694, but this is not an obtuse angle and I don't know how to finish the problem (Sadface) any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!
 

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You never learned how to solve for angles? (Wondering)

Let's say sin(x) = 0.5

Then, the critical value of x is $\dfrac{\pi}{6}$

The values of x will be = $\dfrac{\pi}{6}$, $\pi - \dfrac{\pi}{6}$, $\dfrac{\pi}{6} + 2\pi$, $3\pi - \dfrac{\pi}{6}$, etc

For sine, the values are in the 1st and 2nd quadrant, for tan, 1st and 3rd quadrant, and for cos, 1st and 4th quadrant.
 
Needhelp said:
A sector of a circle, let's say AOB with circle centre O and radius 5cm has a chord subtended from A to B. This chord forms a triangle with centre 0. Angle 0 isθradians, and the area of triangle A0B is 8cm2. Given that angle AOB is obtuse, findθ.

I worked out Sin-1(0.64)= 0.694, but this is not an obtuse angle and I don't know how to finish the problem (Sadface) any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

You are looking for the solutions of \(\sin(\theta))=0.64\). If you sketch the \(\sin\) curve you will see that for \(\theta\) in the range \(0\) to \(2\pi\) you have a solution at about \(\theta=0.694\), and another at \(\theta=\pi-0.694\). The first of these is an acute angle (about 36.6 degrees) and the other obtuse.

CB
 
Last edited:
thank you! I did know how to solve equations using sin and cos etc, but I didnt realize I could bring that knowledge to solve this problem!
 

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