Trigonometry Help: Understanding 1/2^2 in Terms of Sine, Cosine, and Tangent

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around expressing the value of \(1/2^2\) and \(0.5^{0.5}\) in terms of trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine, and tangent. Participants explore the relationships between these values and angles, particularly focusing on the angles associated with \(0.5^{0.5}\) and the implications of different interpretations of the expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to express \(1/2^2\) in terms of trigonometric functions, specifically asking about \(0.5^{0.5}\) and its relation to angles.
  • Another participant suggests that \(0.5^{0.5}\) corresponds to a 45-degree angle, equating it to \(\cos(45)\), \(\sin(45)\), and a tangent of 1, but later questions this interpretation.
  • A participant clarifies that \(0.5^{0.5}\) is approximately \(0.71\), which is equal to \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\), and distinguishes it from \(1/2^2\).
  • There is a suggestion that if the intended expression was \(1/4\), the angle \(\theta\) satisfying \(\sin(\theta) = \frac{1}{4}\) would be \(\theta = \arcsin(\frac{1}{4}) \approx 14.48^\circ\), noting that there are infinitely many angles that could satisfy this condition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing interpretations of the original question regarding \(1/2^2\) and \(0.5^{0.5}\). There is no consensus on the correct interpretation or representation of these values in trigonometric terms, leading to ongoing debate.

Contextual Notes

There are ambiguities in the expressions used, particularly regarding whether \(1/2^2\) or \(0.5^{0.5}\) was intended, which affects the discussion of corresponding angles and trigonometric identities.

seasnake
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Okay, I must admit, my trigonometry is rather awful...

anyway, I would like to write out what 1 / 2^2 is equal to in terms of sine, cosine, tangent, and the like

is the following correct, or how do I write it correctly (or what would be the correct figures for 0.5^0.5):

0.5^0.5 = a 45-degree angle = cos (45) = sin (45) = a tangent of 1
 
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seasnake said:
is the following correct, or how do I write it correctly (or what would be the correct figures for 0.5^0.5):

0.5^0.5 = a 45-degree angle = cos (45) = sin (45) = a tangent of 1

Yes this is correct. What you are looking for is a value [itex]\theta[/itex] where
[tex]sin(\theta)=\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}[/tex]
And yes, you correctly noted that the isosceles right-angled triangle has adjacent and opposite sides (to the angle [itex]\theta[/itex]) of value 1 and hypotenuse of value [itex]\sqrt{2}[/itex].

seasnake said:
anyway, I would like to write out what 1 / 2^2 is equal to in terms of sine, cosine, tangent, and the like
Did you mean 1/2^(1/2)? If you actually meant 1/4 then you won't have a 'nice' simple value for [itex]\theta[/itex]. Don't worry, this isn't uncommon.

The best answer you can give for [itex]\theta[/itex] to
[tex]sin(\theta)=\frac{1}{4}[/tex]

Is: [tex]\theta=arcsin(\frac{1}{4})\approx 14.48^o[/tex]

this answer is just an acute angle, and I'm sure you're aware that there are more (actually, infinite) values of [itex]\theta[/itex] that satisfy this result? :smile:
 
thanks... but I did mean exactly what I wrote 0.5^0.5, which equates to a value around .71something or other
 
Yeah I thought so. It just put me off when you wrote:
seasnake said:
I would like to write out what 1 / 2^2 is equal to

and the value .71 something IS [tex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}[/tex] and isn't 1/2^2 :wink:
 

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