Final answer:
The reference angle can be found by using the trigonometric functions to calculate the angle formed between the terminal side and the nearest x-axis. In this case, the reference angle for the given point (2, -2) is approximately 135 degrees.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the reference angle, we need to find the angle formed by the terminal side and the x-axis. Since the terminal side passes through the point (2, -2), we can use trigonometry to find the reference angle. The reference angle is the angle between the terminal side and the nearest x-axis.
Using the Pythagorean theorem, we can find the magnitude of the vector formed by the point (2, -2). The magnitude is given by the formula: magnitude = sqrt(x^2 + y^2). So, magnitude = sqrt(2^2 + (-2)^2) = sqrt(4 + 4) = sqrt(8) = 2*sqrt(2).
The reference angle is the angle formed between the positive x-axis and the terminal side. Since the point (2, -2) is in the second quadrant, the reference angle is the angle formed by the positive x-axis and the line connecting the origin and that point. Using trigonometry, we can find that the reference angle is approximately 135 degrees.