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The terminal side of an angle in standard position passes through P(15, –8). What is the value of sin theta?

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Check the picture below.

The terminal side of an angle in standard position passes through P(15, –8). What-example-1
User Aaron Maenpaa
by
5.3k points
4 votes

Answer:

Sin theta = -8/17 ≈ - 0.471

Explanation:

Right triangles on a Cartesian plane using a point are created by drawing a line from the point to the x-axis and a line to the origin (0, 0).

The angle of reference, in this case theta, is created at the origin.

Remember the trigonometry ratios can be remembered using SOHCAHTOA.

SOH is Sin ∡ = Opposite / Hypotenuse. The "A" means adjacent.

On a Cartesian plane, opposite, adjacent and hypotenuse change.

opposite = y

adjacent = x

hypotenuse = r

Sin ∡ = y/r

For the point P(15, -8), x =15 and y = -8.

To find r, use the equation of a circle: x² + y² = r²

Substitute x=15 and y= -8

x² + y² = r²

15² + (-8)² = r²

r² = 289

r = √289

r = 17

Substitute r=17 and y= -8 into the equation for Sine.

Sin ∡ = y/r

Sin theta = -8/17 Exact value

Sin theta ≈ -0.471 Rounded to three decimal places

User Anvesh Checka
by
5.8k points
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