Sum or difference formula (sin, cos, and tan)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the sine, cosine, and tangent of the angle ${-13\pi}/{12}$ using sum and difference formulas. The user first converts the angle to a positive equivalent by adding $2\pi$, resulting in $\frac{11}{12}\pi$. They then express this angle as a sum of known angles, such as $\frac{3\pi}{4} + \frac{\pi}{6}$, to apply the angle-sum formulas effectively. This method simplifies the calculation of trigonometric values for complex angles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric functions: sine, cosine, and tangent
  • Familiarity with angle-sum and difference formulas
  • Basic knowledge of radians and angle conversion
  • Ability to manipulate fractions and perform arithmetic with angles
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of sine and cosine angle-sum formulas
  • Practice converting between radians and degrees for various angles
  • Explore the unit circle and its role in determining trigonometric values
  • Learn about compound angle identities in trigonometry
USEFUL FOR

Students studying trigonometry, educators teaching angle relationships, and anyone needing to calculate trigonometric values for complex angles using sum and difference formulas.

Taryn1
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So I'm supposed to find the exact values of the sine, cosine, and tangent of an angle by using a sum or difference formula ( i.e. sin(x+y)=sin(x)cos(y)+cos(x)sin(y) ), but this is the angle I was given: ${-13\pi}/{12}$. How do I use a sum or difference formula to get the sin, cos, and tan of that?
 
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I would first add $2\pi$ to get:

$$-\frac{13}{12}\pi+2\pi=\frac{11}{12}\pi$$

And then write:

$$\frac{11}{12}\pi=\frac{1}{2}\pi+\frac{1}{4}\pi+\frac{1}{6}\pi$$

Now you can use the angle-sum formulas. :)
 
MarkFL said:
I would first add $2\pi$ to get:

$$-\frac{13}{12}\pi+2\pi=\frac{11}{12}\pi$$

And then write:

$$\frac{11}{12}\pi=\frac{1}{2}\pi+\frac{1}{4}\pi+\frac{1}{6}\pi$$

Now you can use the angle-sum formulas. :)

Or even just $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \frac{3\pi}{4} + \frac{\pi}{6} \end{align*}$ or $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \frac{\pi}{4} + \frac{2\pi}{3} \end{align*}$ to avoid multiple uses of the compound angle formulae...
 
Thanks for your help! That makes more sense now.
 

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