Without using a calculator, decide whether each function value is positive or negative. (Hint: Consider the radian measures of the quadrantal angles, and remember that π ≈ 3.14.)
cos 6
Verified step by step guidance
1
Recognize that the cosine function is periodic with a period of \$2\pi\(, meaning \)\cos(\theta) = \cos(\theta + 2\pi k)\( for any integer \)k$.
Convert the given angle, 6 radians, to a more familiar angle within the first cycle of \$0\( to \)2\pi\( by finding the equivalent angle: \)6 - 2\pi \approx 6 - 6.28 = -0.28$ radians.
Determine the quadrant in which the angle \(-0.28\) radians lies. Since \(-0.28\) is between \$0\( and \)-\pi/2$, it is in the fourth quadrant.
Recall that in the fourth quadrant, the cosine function is positive.
Conclude that \(\cos(6)\) is positive because the equivalent angle \(-0.28\) radians lies in the fourth quadrant where cosine is positive.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Play a video:
0 Comments
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Quadrantal Angles
Quadrantal angles are angles that are multiples of π/2 radians (90 degrees), specifically 0, π/2, π, 3π/2, and 2π. These angles correspond to the points on the unit circle where the sine or cosine values are either 0, 1, or -1. Understanding these angles is crucial for determining the sign of trigonometric functions in different quadrants.
The unit circle is a circle with a radius of one centered at the origin of a coordinate plane. It is a fundamental tool in trigonometry, as it allows us to visualize the values of sine and cosine for various angles. The coordinates of points on the unit circle correspond to the cosine and sine values of the angles, helping to determine whether these values are positive or negative based on the angle's location.
Radian measure is a way of measuring angles based on the radius of a circle. One radian is the angle formed when the arc length is equal to the radius of the circle. Understanding radian measures is essential for evaluating trigonometric functions, especially when angles are not standard degrees, as it allows for accurate calculations and comparisons of angles in the context of the unit circle.