If sin(x)=-5/13 and x is in quadrant III,...
So for angle x, we have a 5-12-13 right triangle in quadrant III,
where x=-12, y=-5, and r=+13.
There is often a conflict of notation when x is used for an angle, and also
for values of the adjacent side of the defining right triangle. There is a
problem here. But I think you won't get confused. Teachers aren't always
careful to point out this conflict, which happens a lot. (just like the problem
of how to say "the sign of the sine". J )
So cos(x)=x/r=(-12)/(+13)=-12/13 and tan(x)=y/x=(-5)/(-12)=+5/12
so x/2 is in quadrant II (the upper half of quadrant II).
So sin(x/2) is positive, cos(x/2) is negative, and tan(x/2) is negative.
So we just use the half-angle formulas:
,
We know to use the + because x/2 is in quadrant II, where sine is positive.
We know to use the - because x/2 is in quadrant II, where cosine is negative.
Now we could use a formula for tan(x/2), but now all we need is
Edwin