Which of the following is NOT equivalent to cos 240°? (5 points)

A) cos 120°

B) - sin 150°

C) - sin 210°

D) sin 330°

1 answer

To determine which of the options is NOT equivalent to \(\cos 240^\circ\), we first need to calculate \(\cos 240^\circ\).

Since \(240^\circ\) is in the third quadrant, we can find its reference angle: \[ 240^\circ - 180^\circ = 60^\circ \] In the third quadrant, the cosine function is negative, so: \[ \cos 240^\circ = -\cos 60^\circ = -\frac{1}{2} \]

Now, we will evaluate each option:

A) \(\cos 120^\circ\): \[ \cos 120^\circ = -\cos 60^\circ = -\frac{1}{2} \]

B) \(-\sin 150^\circ\): \[ \sin 150^\circ = \sin(180^\circ - 30^\circ) = \sin 30^\circ = \frac{1}{2} \] So, \[ -\sin 150^\circ = -\frac{1}{2} \]

C) \(-\sin 210^\circ\): \[ \sin 210^\circ = -\sin 30^\circ = -\frac{1}{2} \] So, \[ -\sin 210^\circ = -(-\frac{1}{2}) = \frac{1}{2} \]

D) \(\sin 330^\circ\): \[ \sin 330^\circ = -\sin 30^\circ = -\frac{1}{2} \]

Now, we summarize the values:

  • \(\cos 120^\circ = -\frac{1}{2}\) (equivalent)
  • \(-\sin 150^\circ = -\frac{1}{2}\) (equivalent)
  • \(-\sin 210^\circ = \frac{1}{2}\) (not equivalent)
  • \(\sin 330^\circ = -\frac{1}{2}\) (equivalent)

The option that is NOT equivalent to \(\cos 240^\circ\) is:

C) -\sin 210°