If sin θ = 3/5, find cos θ (first quadrant):
A.
4/5
B.
3/5
C.
5/3
D.
1/2
Correct answer is:
A. 4/5
Explanation:
The correct answer is 4/5 because of the Pythagorean identity rule and the properties of the first quadrant in trigonometry.
- Pythagorean Identity: The fundamental identity states that sin² θ + cos² θ = 1. Substituting the given value results in (3/5)² + cos² θ = 1, which simplifies to 9/25 + cos² θ = 1.
- Step-by-Step Calculation: Subtracting 9/25 from 1 gives cos² θ = 16/25. Taking the square root gives cos θ = ±4/5. Since the angle is specified to be in the first quadrant, the cosine value must be strictly positive, giving 4/5.
- Incorrect Options:
- 3/5 is incorrect because it mistakenly duplicates the value given for the sine function.
- 5/3 is an invalid option because the value of cosine can never exceed 1 for any real angle, and it represents the cosecant ratio instead.
- 1/2 is a completely unrelated trigonometric value that does not satisfy the algebraic constraints of this right triangle configuration.