Prove and use sin^2(theta)+cos^2(theta)=1 to find trig values with quadrant information.
Use the Pythagorean identity to find cosine when sine and the quadrant are known
Problem
Use the \(\text{Pythagorean}~\text{identity}\) to find \(\text{cosine}\) when \(\sin(\theta)=4/5\) and \(\theta\) is in Quadrant \(I\).
Big Picture
What this problem is really about
Finding a missing cosine has two stages: calculate its magnitude from the identity, then assign its sign from location. We’ll substitute the known sine, isolate cosine squared, take the square root, and connect cosine to the terminal point’s horizontal coordinate.
Inside Gozunta
Turn the preview into practice.
More than a preview
Gozunta lets you study this problem—and more than 10,000 others.
Create targeted learning sessions, use hints, check your answer, read the walkthrough, watch the video, print the work, and track your progress.