Questions: Suppose that θ is an angle in standard position whose terminal side intersects the unit circle at (15/17, -8/17).
Find the exact values of sin θ, sec θ, and cot θ.
sin θ=
sec θ=
cot θ=
Transcript text: Suppose that $\theta$ is an angle in standard position whose terminal side intersects the unit circle at $\left(\frac{15}{17},-\frac{8}{17}\right)$.
Find the exact values of $\sin \theta, \sec \theta$, and $\cot \theta$.
\[
\begin{array}{l}
\sin \theta=\square \\
\sec \theta=\square \\
\cot \theta=\square
\end{array}
\]
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Calculate \(\sin \theta\)
The sine of the angle \(\theta\) is given by the y-coordinate of the point where the terminal side intersects the unit circle. Thus, we have:
\[
\sin \theta = -\frac{8}{17}
\]
Step 2: Calculate \(\sec \theta\)
The secant of the angle \(\theta\) is the reciprocal of the x-coordinate of the intersection point. Therefore, we find:
\[
\sec \theta = \frac{1}{\frac{15}{17}} = \frac{17}{15} \approx 1.1333
\]
Step 3: Calculate \(\cot \theta\)
The cotangent of the angle \(\theta\) is the ratio of the x-coordinate to the y-coordinate. Thus, we compute:
\[
\cot \theta = \frac{\frac{15}{17}}{-\frac{8}{17}} = -\frac{15}{8} \approx -1.875
\]