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Given the trigonometric equation:


sin(y)=-(√(3) )/(2)
Find 3 positive solutions.
Explain how you found the solution :-)

User Nweiler
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1 Answer

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The sine function is negative only in Quadrants III and IV. The radius would be 2 and the opposite side would be -√3. A similar triangle in the first Quadrant would have the central angle 60 degrees; note that sin 60 = opp/hyp √3 / 2. Thus, one representation of the given sin y = -√3/2 would be (180 + 60) degrees, or +240 degrees. Check for yourself that sin 240 degrees = -√3/2.

Another would be (360 - 60) degrees, or 300 degrees. Note that sin 300 degrees = -√3/2.

A third would be (300 + 360) degrees, or 660 degrees. Verify that sin 660 = -√3 / 2.

Three positive angles whose sines are all -√3/2 are {240, 300, 660}.

User ZZB
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