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Ch. 1 - Angles and the Trigonometric Functions
Chapter 1, Problem 2

In Exercises 1–4, a point P(x, y) is shown on the unit circle corresponding to a real number t. Find the values of the trigonometric functions at t.

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1
Identify the coordinates of the point P(x, y) on the unit circle.
Recall that on the unit circle, the x-coordinate represents \( \cos(t) \) and the y-coordinate represents \( \sin(t) \).
Use the coordinates to find \( \cos(t) = x \) and \( \sin(t) = y \).
Determine \( \tan(t) \) using the formula \( \tan(t) = \frac{y}{x} \), provided that \( x \neq 0 \).
For the reciprocal functions, calculate \( \sec(t) = \frac{1}{x} \), \( \csc(t) = \frac{1}{y} \), and \( \cot(t) = \frac{x}{y} \), ensuring the denominators are not zero.

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Key Concepts

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

Unit Circle

The unit circle is a circle with a radius of one centered at the origin of a coordinate plane. It is fundamental in trigonometry as it provides a geometric representation of the sine and cosine functions. Any point on the unit circle can be expressed as (cos(t), sin(t)), where t is the angle formed with the positive x-axis, allowing for easy calculation of trigonometric values.
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Introduction to the Unit Circle

Trigonometric Functions

Trigonometric functions, including sine, cosine, and tangent, relate the angles of a triangle to the lengths of its sides. On the unit circle, the sine of an angle corresponds to the y-coordinate, while the cosine corresponds to the x-coordinate of a point on the circle. Understanding these functions is essential for solving problems involving angles and distances in trigonometry.
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Introduction to Trigonometric Functions

Angle Measurement

Angles in trigonometry can be measured in degrees or radians, with radians being the standard unit in mathematical contexts. The relationship between the two is that 180 degrees is equivalent to π radians. Knowing how to convert between these units is crucial for accurately determining the values of trigonometric functions at specific angles represented by the variable t.
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Reference Angles on the Unit Circle