Find Radian Angle: Value of cos θ = -1/2, π ≤ θ ≤ 2π

  • Thread starter Thread starter Veronica_Oles
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Angle
Click For Summary
To find the radian angle θ where cos θ = -1/2 within the range π ≤ θ ≤ 2π, the first solution is θ = 2π/3, located in the second quadrant. The second solution should be in the third quadrant, where the cosine is also -1/2. To find this angle, one must add π to the reference angle of 2π/3, resulting in θ = 4π/3. Drawing a unit circle can help visualize and confirm the angles. The correct radian values for θ are 2π/3 and 4π/3.
Veronica_Oles
Messages
141
Reaction score
3

Homework Statement


For the value of cos θ, determine the radian value of θ if π ≤ θ ≤ 2π.

Value is -1/2.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I got the first value which is cos-1(-1/2) which I got (2π)/3.
However I am unsure how to get the second value.
I thought that since the first value is in second quadrant the other value is in the third quadrant, then I would take θ-π to find my value in the quadrant. But my answer was incorrect. Can someone pls guide me? Thx.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Veronica_Oles said:

Homework Statement


For the value of cos θ, determine the radian value of θ if π ≤ θ ≤ 2π.

Value is -1/2.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I got the first value which is cos-1(-1/2) which I got (2π)/3.
However I am unsure how to get the second value.
I thought that since the first value is in second quadrant the other value is in the third quadrant, then I would take θ-π to find my value in the quadrant. But my answer was incorrect. Can someone pls guide me? Thx.
What angle in the 3rd quadrant has a cosine of -1/2? Draw a unit circle and use basic geometry to find that angle.
 
  • Like
Likes Veronica_Oles

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
8K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
5K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
1K