I insert in my calculator cos 50x60 = 42.42

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The discussion revolves around a misunderstanding of trigonometric calculations involving cosine and sine functions. The user initially inputs incorrect values into their calculator, leading to erroneous results for both cos(60°) and sin(60°). It is clarified that the user mistakenly multiplied the cosine of 50 degrees by 60 instead of using the correct angle of 60 degrees. After resetting the calculator, the user still struggles to achieve the expected results of 25 m/s and 43 m/s. The conversation highlights the importance of ensuring the correct angle and calculator settings when performing trigonometric calculations.
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1) cos 60o = vx0 / 50 => vx0 = 50.cos 60o = ?
2) sin 60o = vy0 / 50 => vy0 = 50.sin 60o = ?
OK so I use my calculator for 1) and I insert in my calculator cos 50x60 = 42.42 but this is not the right answer because the answer is 25 m/s because the answers are in the back of my book.

FOr question number 2) I not 100 % sure but I do the same thing sin 50x60 = 42.42 in this case I get the same answer than in cos, and the answer is 43 m/s so I don't know about this because I got 42.42 so maybe this is right.
 
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What does your calculator give you for cos(60°) ?
 


gneill said:
what does your calculator give you for cos(60°) ?

0.5877 ... but then I restart my calculator and I get 0.5
 


luigihs said:
0.5877 ... but then I restart my calculator and I get 0.5

Your calculator was set to treat angles in 'grads' rather than degrees. There are 400 grads in a circle of 360 degrees.
 


gneill said:
Your calculator was set to treat angles in 'grads' rather than degrees. There are 400 grads in a circle of 360 degrees.

But now that I restarted I get in cos 38.567 but I don't get 25 m/s ... and in sin I get now 45.96 and I suppose to get 43 m/s :(
 


luigihs said:
But now that I restarted I get in cos 38.567 but I don't get 25 m/s ... and in sin I get now 45.96 and I suppose to get 43 m/s :(

More finger problems :smile:

You've taken the cosine of 50 degrees and multiplied by 60 rather than take the cosine of 60 degrees and multiply by 50.
 


gneill said:
More finger problems :smile:

You've taken the cosine of 50 degrees and multiplied by 60 rather than take the cosine of 60 degrees and multiply by 50.

YEAHHH! Thanks! :)
 
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