High School Trigonometry Identity Question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the trigonometric identity sin(180 - x) = sin x. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding the values of sin and cos for common angles, particularly 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 135°, 150°, and 180°. The unit circle is highlighted as a crucial tool for grasping these concepts, as it provides the necessary framework for understanding periodicity and angle relationships. The conversation concludes with suggestions to utilize known identities, such as sin(90° - x) = cos(x), to derive the identity in question.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic trigonometric functions: sine and cosine
  • Familiarity with the unit circle and its significance in trigonometry
  • Knowledge of common angle values in degrees and their radian equivalents
  • Ability to manipulate trigonometric identities and equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the unit circle to understand sine and cosine values for angles beyond 90°
  • Learn how to derive trigonometric identities using known formulas
  • Explore the periodicity of sine and cosine functions
  • Practice solving trigonometric equations involving angle transformations
USEFUL FOR

Students learning trigonometry, educators teaching trigonometric identities, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of angle relationships in trigonometry.

askor
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Can someone please tell me how sin(180 - x) = sin x?

Here my attempt:

sin (180 - x) = sin 180 . cos x - cos 180 . sin x

Next? I have no idea...
 
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askor said:
Can someone please tell me how sin(180 - x) = sin x?

Here my attempt:

sin (180 - x) = sin 180 . cos x - cos 180 . sin x

Next? I have no idea...
I suggest that you draw the XY axis, draw show zero degrees, X degrees, and 180-X degrees. Or do you mean that you need to show it algebraically?
 
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phinds said:
I suggest that you draw the XY axis, draw show zero degrees, X degrees, and 180-X degrees. Or do you mean that you need to show it algebraically?

Yes, I need it algebraically.
 
askor said:
Yes, I need it algebraically.
What are ##\sin 180°## and ##\cos 180°##?
 
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fresh_42 said:
What are ##\sin 180°## and ##\cos 180°##?
:biggrin:
 
You should know the values of cosine for common angles. Specifically for the angles of 0, 30, 45,60,90,120,135, 150 and 180 degrees at least and their equivalents in radian measure otherwise you will never solve these kinds of problems.

Did you learn about the unit circle?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unit_circle

Knowing that will answer your question.
 
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fresh_42 said:
What are ##\sin 180°## and ##\cos 180°##?

I only know the value of sin x and cos x in the range from 0 degree to 90 degree.

I don't know the value of sin x and cos x greater than 90 degree.
 
askor said:
I only know the value of sin x and cos x in the range from 0 degree to 90 degree.

I don't know the value of sin x and cos x greater than 90 degree.

Then find out. Look at my unit circle reference. In truth you should know them for 360 degrees and beyond as that in itself is also important to understand the periodicity of the functions.
 
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Or calculate ##\sin (90°+90°)## by the formulas you already used.
 
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Or.. you know (or ought to know) that sin(90°-x) = cos(x) when 0≤x≤90°. Use that fact and the fact that 180°-x = 90° + (90°-x) and use your formula on that.
 

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