5.3 The other trigonometric functions  (Page 2/13)

Try It

The point $\left(\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2},-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\right)$ is on the unit circle, as shown in [link] . Find $\sin t,\cos t,\tan t,\sec t,\csc t,$ and $\cot t.$

$\sin t=-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2},\cos t=\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2},\tan t=-1,\sec t=\sqrt{2},\csc t=-\sqrt{2},\cot t=-1$

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Because we know the sine and cosine values for the common first-quadrant angles, we can find the other function values for those angles as well by setting $x$ equal to the cosine and $y$ equal to the sine and then using the definitions of tangent, secant, cosecant, and cotangent. The results are shown in [link] .

Using reference angles to evaluate tangent, secant, cosecant, and cotangent

We can evaluate trigonometric functions of angles outside the first quadrant using reference angles as we have already done with the sine and cosine functions. The procedure is the same: Find the reference angle    formed by the terminal side of the given angle with the horizontal axis. The trigonometric function values for the original angle will be the same as those for the reference angle, except for the positive or negative sign, which is determined by x - and y -values in the original quadrant. [link] shows which functions are positive in which quadrant.

To help us remember which of the six trigonometric functions are positive in each quadrant, we can use the mnemonic phrase “A Smart Trig Class.” Each of the four words in the phrase corresponds to one of the four quadrants, starting with quadrant I and rotating counterclockwise. In quadrant I, which is “ A ,” a ll of the six trigonometric functions are positive. In quadrant II, “ S mart,” only s ine and its reciprocal function, cosecant, are positive. In quadrant III, “ T rig,” only t angent and its reciprocal function, cotangent, are positive. Finally, in quadrant IV, “ C lass,” only c osine and its reciprocal function, secant, are positive.