Which is equivalent to sin 51°?

A. cos 51°
B. cos 39°
C. tan 39°
D. tan 51°

1 answer

To find which option is equivalent to \(\sin 51^\circ\), we can use the following trigonometric identities:

  1. \(\sin(90^\circ - x) = \cos x\)
  2. \(\tan x = \frac{\sin x}{\cos x}\)

Let's evaluate the options:

  • A. \(\cos 51^\circ\): This is not equivalent to \(\sin 51^\circ\).

  • B. \(\cos 39^\circ\): Since \(51^\circ + 39^\circ = 90^\circ\), we have \(\cos 39^\circ = \sin(90^\circ - 39^\circ) = \sin 51^\circ\). This one is equivalent!

  • C. \(\tan 39^\circ\): This cannot be directly compared as \( \tan 39^\circ = \frac{\sin 39^\circ}{\cos 39^\circ} \) does not equal \(\sin 51^\circ\).

  • D. \(\tan 51^\circ\): This again cannot be directly related to \(\sin 51^\circ\) in a way that would make them equivalent.

Thus, the equivalent expression to \(\sin 51^\circ\) is:

B. \(\cos 39^\circ\).