4.5k views
0 votes
In right triangle ABC, m∠B ≠ m∠C. Let sin B = r and cos B = s. What is sin C – cos C?

User Rajesh
by
5.4k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Answer: s - r

==================================================

Step-by-step explanation:

We'll need these trig ratios

  • sine = opposite/hypotenuse
  • cosine = adjacent/hypotenuse

Refer to the diagram below.

sin(B) = r = r/1 which tells us that the side opposite angle B is r units long. The hypotenuse is 1.

cos(B) = s = s/1 means the adjacent side to angle B is of length s

sides r and s are the two legs of the right triangle.

----------

From that diagram, we can then say:

sin(angle) = opposite/hypotenuse

sin(C) = s/1

sin(C) = s

This is identical to cos(B). We can say cos(B) = sin(C)

Also, we can say:

cos(angle) = adjacent/hypotenuse

cos(C) = r/1

cos(C) = r

So cos(C) = sin(B)

This works because B+C = 90

----------

So,

sin(C) - cos(C) = cos(B) - sin(B) = s - r

In right triangle ABC, m∠B ≠ m∠C. Let sin B = r and cos B = s. What is sin C – cos-example-1
User Eugene Burmako
by
5.1k points