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Ch. 1 - Trigonometric Functions
Lial - Trigonometry 12th Edition
Lial12th EditionTrigonometryISBN: 9780136552161Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 2, Problem 29

Find the values of the six trigonometric functions for an angle in standard position having each given point on its terminal side. Rationalize denominators when applicable. (―8 , 15)

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1
Identify the coordinates of the point on the terminal side of the angle: \(x = -8\) and \(y = 15\).
Calculate the radius (or hypotenuse) \(r\) using the distance formula: \(r = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2} = \sqrt{(-8)^2 + 15^2}\).
Use the definitions of the six trigonometric functions in terms of \(x\), \(y\), and \(r\): - \(\sin \theta = \frac{y}{r}\) - \(\cos \theta = \frac{x}{r}\) - \(\tan \theta = \frac{y}{x}\) - \(\csc \theta = \frac{r}{y}\) - \(\sec \theta = \frac{r}{x}\) - \(\cot \theta = \frac{x}{y}\).
Substitute the values of \(x\), \(y\), and \(r\) into each function to express them in simplest form, and rationalize denominators where necessary.
Determine the signs of each function based on the quadrant where the point \((-8, 15)\) lies (Quadrant II) to finalize the values of the trigonometric functions.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Coordinates and the Terminal Side of an Angle

An angle in standard position has its vertex at the origin and its initial side along the positive x-axis. The terminal side passes through a given point (x, y), which helps determine the angle's trigonometric values by relating x and y to the radius (distance from origin).
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Definition of the Six Trigonometric Functions Using Coordinates

The six trigonometric functions—sine, cosine, tangent, cosecant, secant, and cotangent—can be defined using the coordinates (x, y) of a point on the terminal side and the radius r = √(x² + y²). For example, sin θ = y/r and cos θ = x/r, linking geometry to function values.
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Rationalizing Denominators

Rationalizing denominators involves eliminating any square roots or irrational numbers from the denominator of a fraction. This is done by multiplying numerator and denominator by a suitable radical, ensuring the final trigonometric values are expressed in a simplified, standard form.
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Rationalizing Denominators