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If θ is in Quadrant III and sinθ = -3/5, then cosθ = _____.

User Kan Li
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2 Answers

5 votes

Answer:

-4/5

Explanation:

plug into equation: sin squared + cos squared = 1 and solve

negative bc cos negative in quad III

User Kenenisa Bekele
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2 votes
Because the angle omega is in QIII, the adjacent side lies to the left of the origin and thus is represented by a negative value. Since sin omega = -3/5, the opposite side is also negative. Use the Pythagorean Theorem to obtain the length of the adjacent side: 5^2 = (-3)^2 + x^2, or 25 = 9 + x^2, or x^2 = 16.

Solving for x: x = plus or minus 4. Since we are in QIII, let x = -4.

Then cos omega is opp / hyp, or -4/5.
User Francesco Borzi
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