Working Out Trig Ratios for Angles with Large Fractions in the Unit Circle

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating trigonometric ratios for angles represented by large fractions in the unit circle, specifically addressing the example of sin(15π/2). The method involves converting large angles into the form n·2π + θ, where n represents the number of full revolutions and θ is the remaining angle. The user successfully demonstrates the conversion of sin(15π/2) to sin(7π + π/2) and sin(8π - π/2), illustrating the process for simplifying complex angles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the unit circle and its quadrants
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions (sine, cosine)
  • Knowledge of angle conversion techniques (n·2π + θ)
  • Basic grasp of radians and their relationship to degrees
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the unit circle and its applications in trigonometry
  • Learn about angle reduction formulas in trigonometry
  • Explore the properties of periodic functions in trigonometry
  • Practice converting various large angle fractions into the form n·2π + θ
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those focusing on trigonometry and angle calculations, as well as anyone looking to enhance their understanding of the unit circle and trigonometric functions.

alpha01
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Just trying to find a way to work out the trig ratios for angles with large fracetions in the unit circle (e.g. sin(15pi/2) etc..)

for angles with smaller fractions like cos(-7pi/4) i can solve easily like this: 7/4 = 1.75 = 45 degree (pi/4) angle in the 1st quadrant (because its negative), therefore cos of this angle = 1/sqrt(2)

i understand for larger fractions i need to first put them in the form of n.2pi + theta (where n.2pi is the number of full revolutions and theta is the angle remaining at the end)

how can i put angles like sin(15pi/2) into the form n.2pi + theta?

thanks
 
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[tex]sin\frac{15\pi}{2}=sin(7\pi+\frac{\pi}{2})=sin(8\pi-\frac{\pi}{2})[/tex]
 

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