Is Cos(60) Equal to Cos(-60)? Examining the Trigonometric Identity

  • Thread starter The_Prime_Number
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In summary, the trigonometric identity for cos(60) and cos(-60) is that they are both equal to 1/2. The difference between cos(60) and cos(-60) is that they have opposite signs. Cos(60) is positive while cos(-60) is negative. Cos(60) is equal to cos(-60) because they both fall on the same angle in the unit circle, but in different quadrants. The graph of cos(60) and cos(-60) are mirror images of each other across the x-axis due to the even nature of the cosine function. Understanding this identity is important in various fields for solving problems and analyzing data.
  • #1
The_Prime_Number
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I was thinking about this, and wanted to know if it was true...

-cos(60) = cos(-60) = cos(300) = cos(60)
 
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  • #2
no its not,

cos(-x) = cos(x) ( cos is an even function )

If you draw these angles over the unit circle, then cos(x) refers to the x component of where the ray intersects the circle. For 60 degrees and -60 degrees, the x component lies to the right of the y axis, so both are positive (and equal).
 
  • #3
Ok, thanks for clearing that up for me.
 

FAQ: Is Cos(60) Equal to Cos(-60)? Examining the Trigonometric Identity

What is the trigonometric identity for cos(60) and cos(-60)?

The trigonometric identity for cos(60) and cos(-60) is that they are both equal to 1/2.

What is the difference between cos(60) and cos(-60)?

The difference between cos(60) and cos(-60) is that they have opposite signs. Cos(60) is positive while cos(-60) is negative.

Why is cos(60) equal to cos(-60)?

Cos(60) is equal to cos(-60) because they both fall on the same angle in the unit circle, but in different quadrants. In the first quadrant, cos(60) is positive, while in the fourth quadrant, cos(-60) is negative. Since they have the same reference angle of 60 degrees, they have the same value of 1/2.

How does the graph of cos(60) compare to cos(-60)?

The graph of cos(60) and cos(-60) are mirror images of each other across the x-axis. This is because the cosine function is an even function, meaning it is symmetric about the y-axis. Therefore, their values are equal but their signs are opposite.

What is the practical application of understanding the trigonometric identity of cos(60) and cos(-60)?

Understanding the trigonometric identity of cos(60) and cos(-60) is important in various fields such as engineering, physics, and navigation. It helps in solving problems involving angles and trigonometric functions, and also in analyzing and interpreting data from graphs and charts.

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