Precalculus : Find the value of any of the six trigonometric functions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Precalculus

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Example Questions

Example Question #24 : Trigonometric Functions

What is the value of ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The sine of an angle corresponds to the y-component of the triangle in the unit circle.  The angle  is a special angle.  In the unit circle, the hypotenuse is the radius of the unit circle, which is 1.  Since the angle is , the triangle is an isosceles right triangle, or a 45-45-90.  

Use the Pythagorean Theorem to solve for the leg. Both legs will be equal to each other.

Rationalize the denominator.

Therefore, .

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