SinX is defined for any angles [0,∞) ?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition and domain of the sine function, specifically questioning whether it is defined for angles in the range [0, ∞). Participants explore the implications of sine's properties, including its behavior for negative angles and its classification as an odd function.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question the original poster's assertion about the sine function being defined only for non-negative angles and discuss the implications of sine's odd function property. There is a reference to the textbook's definition of the sine function and its domain, leading to further exploration of angles beyond the first quadrant.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing differing perspectives on the definition of the sine function. Some express skepticism about the textbook's claims, while others clarify the nature of sine's values for both positive and negative angles. No consensus has been reached, and various interpretations are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of potential confusion stemming from the properties of sine, particularly regarding its values for negative angles and the implications of being an odd function. The discussion also touches on the limitations of the textbook's explanation.

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SinX is defined for any angles [0,∞) ?

Homework Statement



SinX is defined for any angles [0,∞)

Homework Equations



Ok, the domain of sinX is -∞< x < ∞

The Attempt at a Solution



Someone said "You are confused due to fact that Sin(-x)= - sin(x)." Does it mean that just because sinX is not exactly -sinX, sinX will be undefined for all the negative angles since they will produce negative sine function values and we are only interested in positive sine function?

Thanks.
 
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solve said:

Homework Statement



SinX is defined for any angles [0,∞)
Are you referring to the restricted sine function, "Sin x"? If so, the domain of Sin x isn't [0,∞), but [-π/2, π/2].
 


eumyang said:
Are you referring to the restricted sine function, "Sin x"? If so, the domain of Sin x isn't [0,∞), but [-π/2, π/2].

This is from my textbook:

Start with the circle generated by the endpoint A of a straight line OA of unit length rotating anticlockwise about the end O. For angles X where 0<x<pi/2 radians you already know that sinX=AB/AO=AB since AO=1.

That is, the value of the trig ratio sinX is equal to the height of A above B. The sine function with output sinX is now defined as the height of A above B for any angle X (0≤x<∞)
 


To me it just looks like your textbook is wrong... The sine function is certainly defined for negative angles too (as well as complex numbers, if you know what those are...)

Your statement in 3. makes no sense, since the sine function takes on negative values for some positive x too. But anyway, there are no such restrictions on functions in general, the so-called odd functions (like sin(x)) and even functions (like cos(x)) are special cases. Also, if sin(x) = - sin(x), then sin(x) = 0 ...
 


niklaus said:
To me it just looks like your textbook is wrong... The sine function is certainly defined for negative angles too (as well as complex numbers, if you know what those are...)

Your statement in 3. makes no sense, since the sine function takes on negative values for some positive x too. But anyway, there are no such restrictions on functions in general, the so-called odd functions (like sin(x)) and even functions (like cos(x)) are special cases.

Indeed, sin((3 * pi) / 2) = -1. Weird.

niklaus said:
Also, if sin(x) = - sin(x), then sin(x) = 0 ...

I have to think about how this ties with the rest.
 


It doesn't. If A= -A, then, adding A to both sides, 2A= 0 so, dividing both sides by 2, A= 0. That has nothing to do with trig functions.
 

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