Question
Question: How do you use \( \sin \theta = \dfrac{1}{3} \) to find the value of \( \cos \theta \) ?...
How do you use sinθ=31 to find the value of cosθ ?
Solution
Hint : In the given problem, we are required to calculate cosine of an angle whose sine is given to us. Such problems require basic knowledge of trigonometric ratios and formulae. Besides this, knowledge of concepts of inverse trigonometry is extremely essential to answer these questions correctly.
Complete step by step solution:
So, In the given problem, we have to find the value of cosine of an angle .
Hence, we have to find the cosine of the angle whose sine is given to us as 31 .
Let us assume θ to be the concerned angle.
Then, θ=sin−1(31)
Taking sine on both sides of the equation, we get
sinθ=31 which was already given to us in the question itself.
To evaluate the value of the required expression, we must keep in mind the formulae of basic trigonometric ratios.
We know that, sinθ=HypotenusePerpendicular and cosθ=HypotenuseBase .
So, sinθ=HypotenusePerpendicular=31
Let length of the perpendicular be x .
Then, length of hypotenuse =3x .
Now, applying Pythagoras Theorem,
(Hypotenuse)2=(Base)2+(Perpendicular)2
=(3x)2=(Base)2+(x)2
=9x2=(Base)2+x2
=(Base)2=8x2
=(Base)=8x2
=(Base)=8x
So, we get Base=22x
Hence, cosθ=3x22x=322
So, the value of cosθ given that sinθ=31 is cosθ=322
So, the correct answer is “ cosθ=322 ”.
Note : The given problem can also be solved by use of some basic trigonometric identities such as sin2(θ)+cos2(θ)=1 . This method also provides exposure to the applications of trigonometric identities in various mathematical questions.