Please explain the proofs for sin(90 - θ)

In summary, the conversation discusses proofs for sin(90 - θ) with respect to various images, specifically the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th figures. The person asking the question is seeking clarification on how sin(90 - θ) can result in a positive value in these figures. They reference a book, "Theory and Problems of Plane and Spherical Trigonometry" by Frank Ayres, and ask for an explanation of the proofs on pages 56 and 57. The conversation also touches on the angles ∠AOP, ∠BOP1, ∠OAP, and ∠OBP1 in relation to θ.
  • #1
jayanthd
16
0
Please see the attached image. There are 6 figures.

Please explain the proofs for sin(90 - θ) w.r.t the 2nd, 3rd and 4th images. I understand the proof w.r.t 1st image.

In the 2nd image y1 and x is negative. In 3rd image y, y1, x, x1 are all negative and in the 4th image y and x1 are negative. How he gets +ve value for sin(90 - θ) w.r.t 2nd, 3rd and 4th figures?

In the 3rd fig. -y1 = -x and -y = -x1.

-y1/r1 = -x/r = -cos(θ)

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  • #2
I don't understand your question. If, as in #2, the top figure on the right, [itex]90< \theta< 180[/itex], [itex]sin(90- \theta)[/itex] is certainly negative. Where does he say that it is positive?
 
  • #3
He is proving with the top four figures that sin(90 - θ ) = cos(θ). It is from the book "Theory and Problems of Plane and Spherical Trigonometry by Frank Ayres, Schaum's Outline Series"

The book is available here. http://archive.org/details/SchaumsTheoryProblemsOfTrigonometry

Please explain the proofs in page nos 56 and 57.

In the 2nd figure from top ∠AOP = (180 - θ). How does he say ∠BOP1 = (90 - θ)?

and ∠OAP and ∠OBP1 = 90.

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Last edited:

1. What is the proof for the sin(90-θ) formula?

The proof for the sin(90-θ) formula involves using basic trigonometric identities and the unit circle to show that sin(90-θ) is equal to cos(θ).

2. How do you derive the sin(90-θ) formula?

The sin(90-θ) formula can be derived by drawing a right triangle with one angle equal to 90 degrees and the other angle equal to θ. By using the Pythagorean theorem and basic trigonometric ratios, we can show that sin(90-θ) is equal to cos(θ).

3. What is the significance of the sin(90-θ) formula?

The sin(90-θ) formula is significant because it allows us to find the sine of any angle θ, even if it is greater than 90 degrees. This formula is also used in many real-life applications, such as in engineering and physics.

4. How can the sin(90-θ) formula be applied in real-life situations?

The sin(90-θ) formula can be applied in real-life situations to calculate the height of an object, the distance between two points, or the angle of elevation or depression. It is also used in navigation and satellite communication systems.

5. Are there any other ways to prove the sin(90-θ) formula?

Yes, there are other ways to prove the sin(90-θ) formula, such as using the double angle formula for sine or using the geometric interpretation of sine and cosine. However, the most common and straightforward method is using basic trigonometric identities and the unit circle.

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