How to find a reference angle

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ACT Math › How to find a reference angle

Questions 1 - 10
1

Using trig identities, simplify sinθ + cotθcosθ

tanθ

secθ

sin2θ

cos2θ

cscθ

Explanation

Cotθ can be written as cosθ/sinθ, which results in sinθ + cos2θ/sinθ.

Combining to get a single fraction results in (sin2θ + cos2θ)/sinθ.

Knowing that sin2θ + cos2θ = 1, we get 1/sinθ, which can be written as cscθ.

2

What is the reference angle for ?

Explanation

A reference angle is the smallest possible angle between a given angle measurement and the x-axis.

In this case, our angle lies in Quadrant II, so we can find our reference angle using the formula

.

Thus, the reference angle for is .

3

What is the reference angle for ?

Explanation

A reference angle is the smallest possible angle between a given angle measurement and the x-axis.

In this case, our angle lies in Quadrant I, so the angle is its own reference angle.

Thus, the reference angle for is .

4

What is the reference angle for ?

Explanation

A reference angle is the smallest possible angle between a given angle measurement and the x-axis.

In this case, our angle lies in Quadrant III, so the angle is found by the formula .

Thus, the reference angle for is .

5

Evaluate the expression below.

\frac{2 + \sqrt{2}}{2}

\frac{2 + \sqrt{3}}{2}

\frac{1 + \sqrt{3}}{2}

\frac{1 + \sqrt{2}}{2}

\sqrt{2}

Explanation

At , sine and cosine have the same value.

Cotangent is given by .

Now we can evaluate the expression.

6

Simplify sec4_Θ_ – tan4_Θ_.

cos_Θ_ – sin_Θ_

tan2_Θ_ – sin2_Θ_

sin_Θ_ + cos_Θ_

sec_Θ_ + sin_Θ_

sec2_Θ_ + tan2_Θ_

Explanation

Factor using the difference of two squares: _a_2 – _b_2 = (a + b)(ab)

The identity 1 + tan2_Θ_ = sec2_Θ_ which can be rewritten as 1 = sec2_Θ_ – tan2_Θ_

So sec4_Θ_ – tan4_Θ_ = (sec2_Θ_ + tan2_Θ_)(sec2_Θ_ – tan2_Θ_) = (sec2_Θ_ + tan2_Θ_)(1) = sec2_Θ_ + tan2_Θ_

7

What is the reference angle for ?

Explanation

The reference angle is between and , starting on the positive -axis and rotating in a counter-clockwise manor.

To find the reference angle, we subtract for each complete revolution until we get a positive number less than .

is equal to two complete revolutions, plus a angle. Since is in Quadrant II, we subtract it from to get our reference angle:

8

What is the reference angle of an angle that measures 3510 in standard position?

109

369

90

351

Explanation

3600 – 3510 = 90

9

Unit_circle

In the unit circle above, if , what are the coordinates of ?

Explanation

On the unit circle, (X,Y) = (cos Θ, sin Θ).

(cos Θ,sin Θ) = (cos 30º, sin 30º) = (√3 / 2 , 1 / 2)

10

Using trigonometry identities, simplify sinθcos2θ – sinθ

cos3θ

cos2θsinθ

None of these answers are correct

–sin3θ

sin2θcosθ

Explanation

Factor the expression to get sinθ(cos2θ – 1).

The trig identity cos2θ + sin2θ = 1 can be reworked to becomes cos2θ – 1 = –sinθ resulting in the simplification of –sin3θ.

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