Values of the six Trigonometric Functions

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the values of the six trigonometric functions for an angle θ in standard position, specifically for the terminal side containing the point (-3, 0). Participants are examining the definitions and calculations related to trigonometric functions based on this point's coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants question the correctness of the original poster's calculations and suggest revisiting the definitions of trigonometric functions. Others explore the implications of the point being on the negative x-axis and the assumptions about the angle's measurement.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the definitions of the trigonometric functions and the implications of the point's coordinates. Some participants have provided insights into the relationship between the point (-3, 0) and the unit circle, while others are questioning the assumptions made in the original post.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the need to consider the definitions of trigonometric functions in relation to the unit circle, as well as the implications of division by zero in the context of the cosecant and cotangent functions.

MattO7766
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Find the values of the six trigonometric functions of an angle θ in standard position whose terminal side is containing the points (-3,0)

Sinθ=
Cosθ=
Tanθ=
Cscθ=
Secθ=
Cotθ=

I believe the following are correct But I am not sure, Please give insight

Sinθ= 0/3
Cosθ= -3/3
Tanθ= 0/3
Cscθ= 3/0
Secθ= -3/3
Cotθ= 3/0
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No, pretty much none of those are correct. I suggest you go back and check your basic definitions. The "circle" definition of the trig functions, which is what you appear to be using, requires that the terminal point be on the unit circle and (-3, 0) definitely is not- (-3)^2+ (0)^2= 9, not 1. Of course, you can divide both -3 and 0 by 3 to get the point (-1, 0) which is on the same line through the origin and is on the unit circle.

Also, you should know that 0/a= 0 and that a/0 does not exist.
 
First, the questions states that the point in question is P(-3, 0) only? So we are to assume that the origin is the starting point? But if that is the case, then all we have is a straight line down the negative x-axis. This would imply that the angle measured from the positive x-axis is simply \pi or 180 degrees.

Is there another point that is given (your question states "pointS")?

Look here too: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=174661
 
Last edited:
MattO7766 said:
Find the values of the six trigonometric functions of an angle θ in standard position whose terminal side is containing the points (-3,0)

Sinθ=
Cosθ=
Tanθ=
Cscθ=
Secθ=
Cotθ=

I believe the following are correct But I am not sure, Please give insight

Sinθ= 0/3
Cosθ= -3/3
Tanθ= 0/3
Cscθ= 3/0
Secθ= -3/3
Cotθ= 3/0

Sinθ= 0/3 = 0

Cosθ= -3/3 = -1

Tanθ= 0/3 = 0

Cscθ= 3/0

Secθ= -3/3 = -1

Cotθ= 3/0

What is 3/0 ?

The others are correct !
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
10K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K