document.write( "Question 305065: If X is an acute angle and sin X= 1/2, then cos X= ? What is the answer and how do I get it? I'm taking accuplacer on Monday hopeful to avoid having to take intermediate algebra over the summer. Thanks to all for all your help, Mike \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #218452 by stanbon(75887)\"\" \"About 
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If X is an acute angle and sin X= 1/2, then cos X= ? What is the answer and how do I get it? I'm taking accuplacer on Monday hopeful to avoid having to take intermediate algebra over the summer. Thanks to all for all your help, Mike------------------------
\n" ); document.write( "Trig ratios are written in two of three variables: x, y, and r
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\n" ); document.write( "They are related in the following way: r^2 = x^2 + y^2
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\n" ); document.write( "Your Problem:
\n" ); document.write( "Since sin(x) = 1/2, y = 1 and r = 2
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\n" ); document.write( "Therefore x = sqrt(2^2-1^2) = sqrt(3)
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\n" ); document.write( "So, cos(x) = x/r = sqrt(3)/2
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\n" ); document.write( "Comment: So, given any of the six trig ratios you can figure out
\n" ); document.write( "the other five. You just have to keep straight in your head how
\n" ); document.write( "the signs change in the different quadrants.
\n" ); document.write( "By that I mean, sin(x) may be 1/2 is the 2nd quadrant,
\n" ); document.write( "but cos(x) is -sqrt(3)/2 in the 2nd quadrant.
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\n" ); document.write( "Cheers,
\n" ); document.write( "Stan H. \n" ); document.write( "
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