When finding cos θ = sqrt(3)/2 on a unit circle, what type of special right triangle or a ray is used? (1 point) a horizontal ray from the origin 30 - 60 - 90 triangle a vertical ray from the origin 45 - 45 - 90 triangle

1 answer

To find \( \cos \theta = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \) on the unit circle, we look for an angle where the cosine value corresponds to that ratio. On the unit circle, cosine represents the x-coordinate of a point.

The angle \( \theta \) that satisfies \( \cos \theta = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \) is \( 30^\circ \) or \( \frac{\pi}{6} \) radians. The reference triangle for this angle is a \( 30^\circ - 60^\circ - 90^\circ \) triangle, where:

  • The side opposite the \( 30^\circ \) angle is \(\frac{1}{2}\).
  • The side opposite the \( 60^\circ \) angle is \(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\).
  • The hypotenuse (which is the radius of the unit circle) is \( 1 \).

Thus, the correct type of triangle to use is the 30 - 60 - 90 triangle.

The correct answer is: a horizontal ray from the origin 30 - 60 - 90 triangle.