B Trigonometry Identity Question

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on proving the identity sin(180 - x) = sin x. Users suggest using the unit circle and trigonometric values for common angles to understand the relationship better. One participant emphasizes the importance of knowing sine and cosine values beyond 90 degrees for solving such problems. The conversation also touches on the periodicity of trigonometric functions and how to apply known identities to derive the result. Understanding these concepts is crucial for mastering trigonometric identities.
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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