Trigonometry

112 questions

Question 101Question

If θ=arctan(43)\theta = \arctan\left(-\frac{4}{3}\right), what is the exact value of sin(2θ)\sin(2\theta)?

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Answer: 2425-\frac{24}{25}

Answer

The exact value of sin(2θ)\sin(2\theta) is 2425-\frac{24}{25}.
The angle θ=arctan(43)\theta = \arctan\left(-\frac{4}{3}\right) lies in Quadrant IV (π2<θ<0-\frac{\pi}{2} < \theta < 0) because the range of arctan(x)\arctan(x) is (π2,π2)\left(-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}\right). Using a right triangle in Quadrant IV with opposite side 4-4 and adjacent side 33, the hypotenuse is 55. Hence, sin(θ)=45\sin(\theta) = -\frac{4}{5} and cos(θ)=35\cos(\theta) = \frac{3}{5}. Using the double-angle identity sin(2θ)=2sin(θ)cos(θ)\sin(2\theta) = 2\sin(\theta)\cos(\theta), we get 2(45)(35)=24252\left(-\frac{4}{5}\right)\left(\frac{3}{5}\right) = -\frac{24}{25}.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the quadrant and trigonometric ratios for θ\theta
Since θ=arctan(43)\theta = \arctan\left(-\frac{4}{3}\right), the angle θ\theta is in Quadrant IV where π2<θ<0-\frac{\pi}{2} < \theta < 0. In this quadrant, the opposite side is 4-4, the adjacent side is 33, and the hypotenuse is 32+(4)2=5\sqrt{3^2 + (-4)^2} = 5. Therefore, sin(θ)=45\sin(\theta) = -\frac{4}{5} and cos(θ)=35\cos(\theta) = \frac{3}{5}.
The range of the principal arctangent function is (π2,π2)\left(-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}\right), so a negative input places the angle in Quadrant IV.
2
Apply the double-angle formula for sine
sin(2θ)=2sin(θ)cos(θ)=2(45)(35)=2425\sin(2\theta) = 2\sin(\theta)\cos(\theta) = 2\left(-\frac{4}{5}\right)\left(\frac{3}{5}\right) = -\frac{24}{25}.
The double-angle identity for sine expresses sin(2θ)\sin(2\theta) in terms of sin(θ)\sin(\theta) and cos(θ)\cos(\theta).

Key Concept

Evaluating trigonometric functions of double angles involving inverse trigonometric functions
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 102Question

A diagonal support beam is installed to stabilize a wooden wall frame. The beam extends from the top-left corner of the frame to the bottom-right corner, forming a right triangle with the top horizontal beam and the right vertical post. The vertical post has a height of 1515 feet. If the angle θ\theta between the diagonal support beam and the top horizontal beam satisfies tan(θ)=34\tan(\theta) = \frac{3}{4}, what is the length, in feet, of the diagonal support beam?

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Answer: 2525

Answer

The length of the diagonal support beam is 2525 feet.
In the right triangle formed by the wall frame and diagonal beam, angle θ\theta is between the diagonal beam (hypotenuse) and the top horizontal beam (adjacent side). The vertical post is opposite to angle θ\theta, with a length of 1515 feet. Using tan(θ)=OppositeAdjacent=34\tan(\theta) = \frac{\text{Opposite}}{\text{Adjacent}} = \frac{3}{4}, we substitute 1515 for the opposite side to get 34=15Adjacent\frac{3}{4} = \frac{15}{\text{Adjacent}}, which yields an adjacent side length of 2020 feet. Using the Pythagorean theorem, the hypotenuse is 152+202=225+400=625=25\sqrt{15^2 + 20^2} = \sqrt{225 + 400} = \sqrt{625} = 25 feet.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the given trigonometric relationship and right triangle sides.
The vertical post is opposite to angle θ\theta, so Opposite=15\text{Opposite} = 15 feet. The top horizontal beam is adjacent to θ\theta, and the diagonal support beam is the hypotenuse.
Understanding side positions relative to angle θ\theta is essential for setting up the tangent ratio correctly.
2
Use the definition of tangent to find the length of the adjacent side (horizontal beam).
tan(θ)=OppositeAdjacent    34=15Adjacent    Adjacent=15×43=20\tan(\theta) = \frac{\text{Opposite}}{\text{Adjacent}} \implies \frac{3}{4} = \frac{15}{\text{Adjacent}} \implies \text{Adjacent} = \frac{15 \times 4}{3} = 20 feet.
Solving for the adjacent side gives the horizontal leg of the right triangle.
3
Apply the Pythagorean theorem to calculate the length of the diagonal support beam (hypotenuse).
Hypotenuse=152+202=225+400=625=25\text{Hypotenuse} = \sqrt{15^2 + 20^2} = \sqrt{225 + 400} = \sqrt{625} = 25 feet.
The diagonal beam forms the hypotenuse of the right triangle with legs of length 1515 feet and 2020 feet.

Key Concept

Right Triangle Trigonometry (SOHCAHTOA) and the Pythagorean Theorem
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 103Question

A surveyor standing at point PP on level ground measures the angle of elevation to the top of a cliff, point TT, as θ\theta. The ground distance from point PP to the vertical base of the cliff, point BB, is 120120 feet. If cos(θ)=1213\cos(\theta) = \frac{12}{13}, what is the vertical height of the cliff, in feet?

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Answer: 50

Answer

The vertical height of the cliff is 50 feet.
In right triangle PBT\triangle PBT with the right angle at BB, point PP on the ground forms angle θ\theta. The adjacent side PB=120PB = 120 feet. Given cos(θ)=adjacenthypotenuse=1213\cos(\theta) = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{12}{13}, we solve for hypotenuse PT=130PT = 130 feet. Using the Pythagorean theorem (13021202=502130^2 - 120^2 = 50^2), the opposite side TBTB (the vertical height of the cliff) is 5050 feet.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the given trigonometric ratio and sides of the right triangle PBT\triangle PBT.
Angle θ\theta is at vertex PP, the adjacent leg PB=120PB = 120 feet, and cos(θ)=adjacenthypotenuse=1213\cos(\theta) = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{12}{13}.
Cosine relates the adjacent side to the hypotenuse in a right triangle.
2
Calculate the length of the hypotenuse PTPT.
120PT=1213    PT=120×1312=130\frac{120}{PT} = \frac{12}{13} \implies PT = \frac{120 \times 13}{12} = 130 feet.
Solve the ratio for the hypotenuse PTPT.
3
Find the vertical height TBTB using the Pythagorean theorem or sine ratio.
TB=PT2PB2=13021202=1690014400=2500=50TB = \sqrt{PT^2 - PB^2} = \sqrt{130^2 - 120^2} = \sqrt{16900 - 14400} = \sqrt{2500} = 50 feet.
In right triangle PBT\triangle PBT, TB2+PB2=PT2TB^2 + PB^2 = PT^2.

Key Concept

Right Triangle Trigonometry (SOHCAHTOA) and Pythagorean Triples
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 104Question

What is the exact decimal value of tan(arcsin(1213))\tan\left(\arcsin\left(\frac{12}{13}\right)\right)?

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Answer: 2.4

Answer

The exact decimal value of tan(arcsin(1213))\tan\left(\arcsin\left(\frac{12}{13}\right)\right) is 2.42.4.
Letting θ=arcsin(1213)\theta = \arcsin\left(\frac{12}{13}\right), we establish a right triangle in Quadrant I with opposite side length 1212 and hypotenuse length 1313. The adjacent side length is calculated via the Pythagorean theorem as 132122=5\sqrt{13^2 - 12^2} = 5. The tangent of this angle is the ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side, 125\frac{12}{5}, which equals 2.42.4.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Define the angle using the inverse trigonometric expression
Let θ=arcsin(1213)\theta = \arcsin\left(\frac{12}{13}\right), which implies sin(θ)=1213\sin(\theta) = \frac{12}{13} in Quadrant I.
The inverse sine function returns an angle whose sine is the given ratio, restricted to the principal interval [π2,π2]\left[-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}\right].
2
Determine cos(θ)\cos(\theta) using the fundamental trigonometric identity
\cos(\theta) = \sqrt{1 - \sin^2(\theta)} = \sqrt{1 - \left(\frac{12}{13}\right)^2} = \frac{5}{13}
Since θ\theta is in Quadrant I, cos(θ)\cos(\theta) is positive.
3
Evaluate tan(θ)\tan(\theta) as the ratio of sine to cosine
\tan(\theta) = \frac{\sin(\theta)}{\cos(\theta)} = \frac{12/13}{5/13} = \frac{12}{5} = 2.4
Dividing opposite by adjacent (or sine by cosine) yields the exact decimal value 2.42.4.

Key Concept

Evaluating algebraic values of composite inverse trigonometric expressions
Question 105Question

In right triangle XYZXYZ, the right angle is located at vertex YY. The hypotenuse XZXZ has a length of 3939 inches. If cos(X)=513\cos(X) = \frac{5}{13}, what is the length, in inches, of leg YZYZ?

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Answer: 36

Answer

36 inches
By SOH CAH TOA, cos(X)=adjacenthypotenuse=XY39\cos(X) = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{XY}{39}. Setting XY39=513\frac{XY}{39} = \frac{5}{13} gives XY=15XY = 15 inches. Applying the Pythagorean theorem to find the remaining leg YZYZ gives YZ=392152=1296=36YZ = \sqrt{39^2 - 15^2} = \sqrt{1296} = 36 inches. Alternatively, recognizing the ratio cos(X)=513\cos(X) = \frac{5}{13} implies sin(X)=1213\sin(X) = \frac{12}{13} for a 5-12-13 right triangle, so YZ=39×1213=36YZ = 39 \times \frac{12}{13} = 36 inches.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Use the definition of cosine (SOH CAH TOA) to find the length of leg XYXY, which is adjacent to angle XX.
cos(X)=adjacenthypotenuse=XYXZ    513=XY39    XY=39×513=15\cos(X) = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{XY}{XZ} \implies \frac{5}{13} = \frac{XY}{39} \implies XY = 39 \times \frac{5}{13} = 15 inches.
Cosine is defined as the ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse.
2
Apply the Pythagorean theorem (XY2+YZ2=XZ2XY^2 + YZ^2 = XZ^2) to calculate the length of leg YZYZ.
152+YZ2=392    225+YZ2=1521    YZ2=1296    YZ=1296=3615^2 + YZ^2 = 39^2 \implies 225 + YZ^2 = 1521 \implies YZ^2 = 1296 \implies YZ = \sqrt{1296} = 36 inches.
In a right triangle, the sum of the squares of the legs equals the square of the hypotenuse.

Key Concept

Right Triangle Trigonometry (SOHCAHTOA) and Pythagorean Theorem
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 106Question

In right triangle CDECDE, the right angle is located at vertex DD. The length of leg CDCD is 2424 centimeters. If tan(E)=43\tan(E) = \frac{4}{3}, what is the value of sin(C)\sin(C)?

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Answer: 35\frac{3}{5}

Answer

The value of sin(C)\sin(C) is 35\frac{3}{5}.
To find sin(C)\sin(C), first express tan(E)=oppositeadjacent=CDDE=24DE=43\tan(E) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} = \frac{CD}{DE} = \frac{24}{DE} = \frac{4}{3}, which gives DE=18DE = 18. Next, compute the hypotenuse CE=242+182=900=30CE = \sqrt{24^2 + 18^2} = \sqrt{900} = 30. Finally, identify the side opposite to angle CC, which is DE=18DE = 18. Thus, sin(C)=oppositehypotenuse=1830=35\sin(C) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{18}{30} = \frac{3}{5}. The option stating 35\frac{3}{5} is correct.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Use the definition of tangent for angle EE to find the length of side DEDE.
DE=18 cmDE = 18\text{ cm}
Since tan(E)=oppositeadjacent=CDDE\tan(E) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} = \frac{CD}{DE}, substituting CD=24CD = 24 yields 24DE=43\frac{24}{DE} = \frac{4}{3}, so DE=24×34=18DE = \frac{24 \times 3}{4} = 18.
2
Calculate the hypotenuse CECE using the Pythagorean theorem.
CE=30 cmCE = 30\text{ cm}
In right triangle CDECDE, CE2=CD2+DE2=242+182=576+324=900CE^2 = CD^2 + DE^2 = 24^2 + 18^2 = 576 + 324 = 900, so CE=900=30CE = \sqrt{900} = 30.
3
Calculate sin(C)\sin(C) using the SOHCAHTOA ratio for angle CC.
sin(C)=35\sin(C) = \frac{3}{5}
Relative to angle CC, the opposite side is DE=18DE = 18 and the hypotenuse is CE=30CE = 30. Thus, sin(C)=oppositehypotenuse=1830=35\sin(C) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{18}{30} = \frac{3}{5}.

Key Concept

Right Triangle Trigonometry (SOHCAHTOA)
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 107Question

In right triangle DEFDEF, the right angle is located at vertex EE. The length of leg DEDE is 3232 meters. If cos(D)=817\cos(D) = \frac{8}{17}, what is the length of leg EFEF, in meters?

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Answer: 60

Answer

The length of leg EFEF is 60 meters.
Using the definition of cosine, cos(D)=adjacenthypotenuse=DEDF\cos(D) = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{DE}{DF}. Substituting DE=32DE = 32 gives 32DF=817\frac{32}{DF} = \frac{8}{17}, so DF=68DF = 68. Using the Pythagorean theorem, EF=682322=60EF = \sqrt{68^2 - 32^2} = 60 meters.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Set up the cosine ratio for angle D
\cos(D) = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{DE}{DF} = \frac{8}{17}
By SOHCAHTOA, cosine of an acute angle in a right triangle is the ratio of the adjacent leg to the hypotenuse.
2
Calculate the length of hypotenuse DF
\frac{32}{DF} = \frac{8}{17} \implies DF = \frac{32 \times 17}{8} = 68\text{ meters}
Substitute the given value DE=32DE = 32 into the ratio and solve for DFDF.
3
Calculate the length of leg EF using the Pythagorean theorem
EF = \sqrt{DF^2 - DE^2} = \sqrt{68^2 - 32^2} = \sqrt{4624 - 1024} = \sqrt{3600} = 60\text{ meters}
In right triangle DEFDEF, DE2+EF2=DF2DE^2 + EF^2 = DF^2.

Key Concept

Right Triangle Trigonometry (SOHCAHTOA) & Pythagorean Theorem
Question 108Question

A straight ramp connects a driveway to a loading dock that is 1010 feet above the ground. The ramp forms an angle θ\theta with the flat ground such that tan(θ)=512\tan(\theta) = \frac{5}{12}. What is the length, in feet, of the ramp?

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Answer: 2626

Answer

The length of the ramp is 2626 feet.
In the right triangle formed by the ground, the loading dock, and the ramp, the dock height (1010 feet) is opposite angle θ\theta, and the ramp is the hypotenuse. Since tan(θ)=oppositeadjacent=512\tan(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} = \frac{5}{12}, setting 10adjacent=512\frac{10}{\text{adjacent}} = \frac{5}{12} yields an adjacent side of 2424 feet. Applying the Pythagorean theorem to find the hypotenuse gives 102+242=676=26\sqrt{10^2 + 24^2} = \sqrt{676} = 26 feet.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the given information and trigonometric ratio.
The vertical leg opposite angle θ\theta is 1010 feet. The ratio is tan(θ)=oppositeadjacent=512\tan(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} = \frac{5}{12}.
Tangent is defined as the ratio of the side opposite the angle to the side adjacent to the angle in a right triangle.
2
Solve for the length of the adjacent leg (ground distance).
10adjacent=512    adjacent=10×125=24\frac{10}{\text{adjacent}} = \frac{5}{12} \implies \text{adjacent} = \frac{10 \times 12}{5} = 24 feet.
Cross-multiplying gives the length of the ground leg.
3
Calculate the length of the ramp (hypotenuse) using the Pythagorean theorem.
\text{ramp length} = \sqrt{10^2 + 24^2} = \sqrt{100 + 576} = \sqrt{676} = 26\text{ feet}.
The ramp forms the hypotenuse of the right triangle, so its length is c=a2+b2c = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2}.

Key Concept

Right Triangle Trigonometry (SOHCAHTOA) and Pythagorean Theorem
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 109Question

A technician is installing a straight support beam for a solar panel array mounted on a flat roof. The beam forms a right triangle with the horizontal roof and a vertical panel frame. The vertical frame is 2424 inches tall, and the angle θ\theta between the support beam and the horizontal roof satisfies sin(θ)=1213\sin(\theta) = \frac{12}{13}. What is the horizontal distance, in inches, along the roof from the bottom of the vertical frame to the anchor point of the support beam?

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Answer: 10

Answer

The horizontal distance along the roof from the bottom of the frame to the anchor point is 10 inches.
In a right-angled triangle formed by the vertical frame, horizontal roof, and diagonal support beam, the angle θ\theta is between the beam and the roof. The vertical frame (24 inches) is the side opposite to θ\theta. Using the sine definition, sin(θ)=oppositehypotenuse=1213\sin(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{12}{13}, so 24hypotenuse=1213\frac{24}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{12}{13}, which yields a hypotenuse length of 26 inches. Applying the Pythagorean theorem to find the horizontal adjacent leg gives 262242=100=10\sqrt{26^2 - 24^2} = \sqrt{100} = 10 inches.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the sides of the right triangle relative to the angle θ\theta.
The vertical frame of length 24 inches is opposite to θ\theta, the support beam is the hypotenuse, and the horizontal distance along the roof is adjacent to θ\theta.
SOHCAHTOA defines sin(θ)=oppositehypotenuse\sin(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}}.
2
Calculate the length of the hypotenuse using the sine ratio.
24hypotenuse=1213    hypotenuse=24×1312=26\frac{24}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{12}{13} \implies \text{hypotenuse} = 24 \times \frac{13}{12} = 26 inches.
Setting the opposite side (24) over hypotenuse equal to 1213\frac{12}{13} allows solving for the hypotenuse.
3
Calculate the horizontal adjacent side using the Pythagorean theorem.
adjacent=262242=676576=100=10\text{adjacent} = \sqrt{26^2 - 24^2} = \sqrt{676 - 576} = \sqrt{100} = 10 inches.
In a right triangle, a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2, so the unknown leg is c2b2\sqrt{c^2 - b^2}.

Key Concept

Right Triangle Trigonometry (SOHCAHTOA)
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 110Question

In right triangle UVWUVW, the right angle is located at vertex VV. The length of hypotenuse UWUW is 8585 centimeters. If sin(U)=1517\sin(U) = \frac{15}{17}, what is the length, in centimeters, of leg UVUV?

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Answer: 4040

Answer

The length of leg UVUV is 4040 centimeters.
By definition, sin(U)=oppositehypotenuse=VWUW\sin(U) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{VW}{UW}. Given sin(U)=1517\sin(U) = \frac{15}{17} and UW=85UW = 85, the opposite leg VW=85×1517=75VW = 85 \times \frac{15}{17} = 75 cm. Using the Pythagorean theorem UV2=UW2VW2=852752=72255625=1600UV^2 = UW^2 - VW^2 = 85^2 - 75^2 = 7225 - 5625 = 1600, we get UV=40UV = 40 cm. Alternatively, using cos(U)=1sin2(U)=817\cos(U) = \sqrt{1 - \sin^2(U)} = \frac{8}{17}, the adjacent leg UV=85×817=40UV = 85 \times \frac{8}{17} = 40 cm.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the relationship between sin(U)\sin(U) and the sides of right triangle UVWUVW.
sin(U)=oppositehypotenuse=VWUW=1517\sin(U) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{VW}{UW} = \frac{15}{17}.
By SOHCAHTOA, sine is the ratio of the opposite leg to the hypotenuse.
2
Calculate the length of the opposite leg VWVW.
VW=85×1517=75VW = 85 \times \frac{15}{17} = 75 centimeters.
Multiply the hypotenuse length UW=85UW = 85 by the sine ratio 1517\frac{15}{17}.
3
Apply the Pythagorean theorem (UV2+VW2=UW2UV^2 + VW^2 = UW^2) to solve for adjacent leg UVUV.
UV2+752=852    UV2+5625=7225    UV2=1600    UV=40UV^2 + 75^2 = 85^2 \implies UV^2 + 5625 = 7225 \implies UV^2 = 1600 \implies UV = 40 centimeters.
The square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the two legs.

Key Concept

Right Triangle Trigonometry (SOHCAHTOA) and Pythagorean Relationship
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 111Question

An observer stands at point PP on horizontal ground and measures the angle of elevation to the top of a vertical tower, TT, as θ\theta. The observer then walks a distance of dd meters directly toward the base of the tower to point QQ. From point QQ, the angle of elevation to the top of the tower is 2θ2\theta. If cos(θ)=45\cos(\theta) = \frac{4}{5}, what is the ratio of the height of the tower to the distance dd?

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Answer: 2425\frac{24}{25}

Answer

2425\frac{24}{25}
The correct answer of 2425\frac{24}{25} is found by first identifying that the triangle formed by the tower's top and the two observer positions is isosceles. Since the exterior angle is 2θ2\theta and one interior angle is θ\theta, the other interior angle must also be θ\theta, making the side lengths opposite these angles equal (dd). By dropping an altitude inside this isosceles triangle, we form two right triangles, allowing us to find the hypotenuse of the larger right triangle as 2dcos(θ)=1.6d2d\cos(\theta) = 1.6d. Applying the sine definition to the larger right triangle yields sin(θ)=h1.6d\sin(\theta) = \frac{h}{1.6d}. Since cos(θ)=45\cos(\theta) = \frac{4}{5}, we have sin(θ)=35\sin(\theta) = \frac{3}{5}. Solving for hd\frac{h}{d} gives hd=1.6×35=2425\frac{h}{d} = 1.6 \times \frac{3}{5} = \frac{24}{25}.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the angles in the triangle formed by the top of the tower TT, the first position PP, and the second position QQ.
The exterior angle at vertex QQ is 2θ2\theta, and the opposite interior angle at vertex PP is θ\theta. Therefore, the third angle PTQ\angle PTQ is 2θθ=θ2\theta - \theta = \theta. Since two angles are equal, triangle PTQPTQ is isosceles with QT=PQ=dQT = PQ = d.
This identifies the length of segment QTQT in terms of the walking distance dd.
2
Drop a perpendicular altitude from QQ to segment PTPT meeting at point MM. Use right triangle trigonometry in the resulting right triangle PMQPMQ.
In right triangle PMQPMQ, the hypotenuse is PQ=dPQ = d and the angle is θ\theta. Thus, the adjacent side is PM=dcos(θ)=45d=0.8dPM = d \cos(\theta) = \frac{4}{5}d = 0.8d. Because the altitude of an isosceles triangle bisects the base, the total length PT=2×PM=85d=1.6dPT = 2 \times PM = \frac{8}{5}d = 1.6d.
This determines the length of the hypotenuse PTPT of the large right triangle PRTPRT in terms of dd.
3
Apply the sine ratio to the large right triangle PRTPRT to find the ratio of the height hh to the distance dd.
In right triangle PRTPRT, the angle at PP is θ\theta, the opposite side is hh (height of the tower), and the hypotenuse is PT=1.6dPT = 1.6d. Therefore, sin(θ)=hPT=h1.6d\sin(\theta) = \frac{h}{PT} = \frac{h}{1.6d}. Since cos(θ)=45\cos(\theta) = \frac{4}{5}, we have sin(θ)=35\sin(\theta) = \frac{3}{5}. Substituting this gives 35=h1.6d    hd=1.6×35=2425\frac{3}{5} = \frac{h}{1.6d} \implies \frac{h}{d} = 1.6 \times \frac{3}{5} = \frac{24}{25}.
This solves for the ratio of the tower height to the distance dd.

Key Concept

Applying SOHCAHTOA and geometric properties of triangles to solve multi-step trigonometry problems
Estimated Time:3m 0s
Question 112Question

A robotic arm starts at the point (1,0)(1,0) on the unit circle and rotates counterclockwise by 11π6\frac{11\pi}{6} radians. It then rotates clockwise by 120120^\circ. At which of the following coordinates on the unit circle does the arm's tip end?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: (32,12)\left(-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, -\frac{1}{2}\right)

Answer

(32,12)\left(-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, -\frac{1}{2}\right)
The correct answer is obtained by converting the initial rotation of 11π6\frac{11\pi}{6} radians to 330330^\circ, subtracting the clockwise rotation of 120120^\circ to get 210210^\circ, and finding the cosine and sine values for this angle in the third quadrant, which are 32-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} and 12-\frac{1}{2} respectively.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Convert the initial counterclockwise rotation from radians to degrees.
11π6 radians×180π=11×30=330\frac{11\pi}{6} \text{ radians} \times \frac{180^\circ}{\pi} = 11 \times 30^\circ = 330^\circ.
Converting both angles to degrees makes them easier to combine.
2
Apply the second rotation (clockwise, which means subtracting the angle).
330120=210330^\circ - 120^\circ = 210^\circ.
Clockwise rotation reduces the angle in standard position.
3
Find the unit circle coordinates for the final angle of 210210^\circ.
x=cos(210)=32x = \cos(210^\circ) = -\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} and y=sin(210)=12y = \sin(210^\circ) = -\frac{1}{2}, yielding the coordinates (32,12)\left(-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, -\frac{1}{2}\right).
The terminal ray of 210210^\circ lies in Quadrant III, where both sine and cosine are negative, with a reference angle of 3030^\circ.

Key Concept

To find coordinates of a rotated point on the unit circle, convert the angle measures to a common unit, compute the net rotation angle in standard position, and evaluate the cosine (for the xx-coordinate) and sine (for the yy-coordinate) of the resulting angle.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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