Question

The center of a clock is at (0,0) in a coordinate system, and the minute hand is 10 inches long. Find the approximate coordinates of the tip of the minute hand at:

12:05 p.m.
12:45 p.m.
12:55 p.m.

Answer 1

Answer: At 12:00 p.m., the minute hand points straight up at (0,10).

At 12:05 p.m., the minute hand has rotated 30 degrees clockwise. The tip of the minute hand would be approximately:

x = 10 * cos(30) = 8.66

y = 10 * sin(30) = 5

So, the coordinates would be approximately (8.66, 5).

At 12:45 p.m., the minute hand has rotated 180 degrees. The tip of the minute hand would be approximately:

x = 10 * cos(180) = -10

y = 10 * sin(180) = 0

So, the coordinates would be approximately (-10, 0).

At 12:55 p.m., the minute hand has rotated 330 degrees clockwise. The tip of the minute hand would be approximately:

x = 10 * cos(330) = -5.77

y = 10 * sin(330) = -8.66

So, the coordinates would be approximately (-5.77, -8.66).

Explanation: