Trigonometric Identities for Solving for Exact Values

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving for exact values of trigonometric functions given that \(\sin A = \frac{3}{5}\) and \(90^\circ \leq A \leq 180^\circ\). The user, Pavadrin, correctly identifies \(\cos A = \frac{4}{5}\) and \(\tan A = \frac{3}{4}\) using the Pythagorean identity. The key insight is recognizing that since angle A is in the second quadrant, \(\cos A\) must be negative, leading to \(\cos A = -\frac{4}{5}\). The Double-Angle Formulas are then applied to find \(\sin 2A\) and \(\cos 2A\).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric functions and their properties
  • Familiarity with the Pythagorean identity
  • Knowledge of the unit circle and quadrants
  • Proficiency in applying Double-Angle Formulas
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the Pythagorean identity in different quadrants
  • Learn how to derive and use Double-Angle Formulas for sine and cosine
  • Explore the unit circle to understand the signs of trigonometric functions in various quadrants
  • Practice solving trigonometric equations involving angles greater than 90 degrees
USEFUL FOR

Students studying trigonometry, educators teaching trigonometric identities, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of angle relationships in the unit circle.

pavadrin
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hey i have a problem which I am puzzled over. i I am given that:
[tex]\sin A = \frac{3}{5}[/tex]
and i am asked to find exact values for:
[tex]\sin 2A[/tex]
[tex]\cos 2A[/tex]
[tex]\tan 2A[/tex]
where [tex]90^0 \leq A \leq 180^0[/tex] (the power to zero is the degree sign)
i have gone about solving this by the use of a pythagorien (?) triple, therefore
[tex]\cos A = \frac{4}{5}[/tex] and
[tex]\tan A = \frac{3}{4}[/tex].
however i do not understand how A can be greator than 90 since this is in a right angle triangle. thanks in advance for those who help,
Pavadrin.
 
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pavadrin said:
i have gone about solving this by the use of a pythagorien (?) triple, therefore
[tex]\cos A = \frac{4}{5}[/tex] and
[tex]\tan A = \frac{3}{4}[/tex].
however i do not understand how A can be greator than 90 since this is in a right angle triangle. thanks in advance for those who help,
Pavadrin.
The Pythagorean Identity states that: sin2x + cos2x = 1, where x is some angle.
So in this case, we have:
sin2A + cos2A = 1
[tex]\Leftrightarrow \cos ^ 2 A = 1 - \sin ^ 2 A = 1 - \left( \frac{3}{5} \right) ^ 2 = \frac{16}{25}[/tex]
So there will be 2 possible value for cosA:
[tex]\Leftrightarrow \cos A = \pm \frac{4}{5}[/tex], right?
Since (4 / 5)2, and (-4 / 5)2 both return 16 / 25.
So how can we know what the value of cos A is? The problem gives us more information, that the angle A is between 90o, and 180o, i.e in the second quadrant. By looking at the unit circle, can you see what sign cos A takes? Is it positive or negative?
After having cos A, one can use the Double-Angle Formulae to finish the problem:
sin(2A) = 2 sin(A) cos(A)
cos(2A) = cos2(A) - sin2(A) = 1 - 2sin2(A) = 2cos2(A) - 1.
Ok, can you go from here? :)
 
hmmmm...i see. i think i understand that now, thanks,
Pavadrin
 

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