What is the Relationship Between Standard Position Angles and Acute Angles?

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. In summary, the conversation was about finding the related acute angle associated with a standard position angle of 12pi/7 and how to determine it based on the quadrant it terminates in. The expert provided a general formula for finding the reference angle for standard position angles in each quadrant.
  • #1
sandynair
2
0
I have a question can someone help me?

If I want to determine the relates acute angle associated with each of the following standard pposition angles : 12/7 pi what is the answer and can someone show me as a drawing?

thanks
 
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  • #2
The "standard position" angle is between 0 and [itex]\pi/2[/itex] radians. 12/7= 1 and 5/7. Since 5/7 is larger than 1/2, the standard angle is [itex]\pi- (5/7)pi= (1- 5/7)\pi= (2/7)\pi[/itex].

The angle itself, drawn on an xy-coordinate system, is in the fourth quadrant, measured from the negative y-axis. The standard position is that same angle but in the first quadrant, measured from positive x-axis.
 
  • #3
how is 12/7 = 1
 
  • #4
It's not. He wrote 12/7 = 1 and 5/7, meaning 1 5/7.
 
  • #5
Just to clarify, an angle in standard position is simply one whose vertex lies at the origin and whose initial side coincides with the positive x-axis. The terminal side of the angle can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise and lie in any quadrant.

The original poster was saying he was required to find the related acute angle (reference angle) associated with the following standard position angles (and he only listed 12pi/7 as one of these standard position angles).

The easiest way to find the reference angle for 12pi/7 is, once you know it terminates in the 4th quadrant (by noticing 12/7 is greater than 3/2), simply subtract 2pi - 12pi/7 and you will get 2pi/7.

As a general note, subtracting the measure of your quadrant four angle from 2pi is the way to get the reference angle for any standard position angle terminating in quadrant four.

For those that terminate in:
QI: ref angle = std. pos. angle
QII: ref angle = pi - (std. pos. angle)
QIII: ref angle = (std. pos. angle) - pi
QIV: ref angle = 2pi - (std. pos. angle)
 
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  • #6
^

Nice post.
 

FAQ: What is the Relationship Between Standard Position Angles and Acute Angles?

What is the definition of standard position angle?

The standard position angle is a measurement used in astronomy to describe the orientation of an object or feature in the sky. It is defined as the angle between the north celestial pole and the line connecting the object to the center of the celestial sphere.

How is the standard position angle measured?

The standard position angle is typically measured in degrees, with 0 degrees corresponding to north, 90 degrees to east, 180 degrees to south, and 270 degrees to west. It is measured counterclockwise from the north celestial pole.

Why is the standard position angle important?

The standard position angle is important because it allows astronomers to accurately describe the location and orientation of objects in the sky. This information is crucial for making observations, tracking the movement of celestial objects, and studying their physical properties.

How is the standard position angle used in observational astronomy?

In observational astronomy, the standard position angle is used to determine the orientation of a telescope or camera when taking images or measurements of celestial objects. It is also used to describe the position and orientation of features on these objects, such as the direction of a jet or the tilt of a planetary ring.

Can the standard position angle change over time?

Yes, the standard position angle can change over time due to the precession of the Earth's axis. This slow movement of the Earth causes the north celestial pole to shift, resulting in a change in the standard position angle for objects in the sky. This change is typically small and only noticeable over long periods of time.

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