In the figure, a circle centered at the origin has …

Mathematics Questions

In the figure, a circle centered at the origin has an angle of measure θ radians in standard position. The coordinates of point P, where the terminal ray of the angle intersects the circle, are (-x, y). Which of the following statements about the cosine of θ is true?

Short Answer

The cosine function (cos(θ)) is the ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse in a right triangle and corresponds to the x-coordinate on the unit circle. Given points (3, 0) and (-x, y), the relationship is established as cos(θ) = -x/3, showing how the x-value relates to the cosine of angle θ.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understanding the Cosine Function

The cosine function, denoted as cos(θ), represents the ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse in a right triangle. On the unit circle, it is also defined as the x-coordinate of the point that corresponds to the angle θ. In this case, it helps illustrate the relationship between the angle and the coordinates in two-dimensional space.

Step 2: Analyzing Given Parameters

In this context, we are given specific parameters to analyze the cosine function. The coordinates provided, specifically the points (3, 0) and (-x, y), can be used to understand how cos(θ) relates to these coordinates. By determining the x-values, one can directly compute the cosine value based on the geometric interpretation within the unit circle.

Step 3: Establishing the Relation

Using the relationships derived from the unit circle and the provided parameters, we conclude that the statement cos(θ) = -x/3 is accurate. This equation indicates how the x-coordinate (in terms of x) correlates with the cosine value of the angle θ. Therefore, it highlights the essential relationship between angles and their respective cosines in a trigonometric context.

Related Concepts

Cosine Function

A trigonometric function that gives the ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse in a right triangle, and the x-coordinate of a point on the unit circle corresponding to an angle ϸ.

Unit Circle

A circle with a radius of one centered at the origin of the coordinate system, used to define trigonometric functions in relation to angles and their coordinates in two-dimensional space.

Trigonometric Relationship

The connections that occur between angles and their corresponding sine, cosine, and tangent ratios, often illustrated through geometric interpretations such as right triangles and the unit circle.

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