Trig - terminal side of an angle

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Kahlil

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Nov 14, 2006
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I am having difficulty showing the steps for the following problem:

The point at (-3, - square root 3) lies on the terminal side of an angle in standard position. Give the degree measure of three angles that fit the description.

I need to understand the steps it takes to get the angles.

Thanks,
Kahlil
 
The first thing would be to look at it. What Quadrant is it in?

What angle is it? \(\displaystyle \theta\), where \(\displaystyle tan(\theta) = \frac{-\sqrt{3}}{-3} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\)

How do you find that angle again? Maybe add 360º? Maybe subtract 360º?
 
I really, really appreciate your response. :D

I came up with 570 degrees, 210 degrees, and -150 degrees ... but that does not seem right to me and -- because of the way I think -- I have difficulty proving out my answers. I get the answers, just can't explain how or why. :roll:
 
I really, really do need help proving this out. Please ........ :cry: Can anyone help me?
 
I don't know what "proving it out" means, other than gaining confidence in your process and thinking. Since you shared neither with us, it's a bit difficult to tell you how correct your correct answers are.
 
Sorry. My sheet says I must justify my answers. My teacher gets upset with me because I can come up with the answers, but not in the conventional manner. She wants them justified in the normal sense, which I have a hard time doing. She would not accept my paper until I had justified my answers the "proper" way. And I really don't know how to justify them properly.
 
Thanks ... I have it under control now. I had the answer ... and/or answers. I thought that there were infinite answers, but was having trouble clarifying in a diagram, or properly explaining it. But I have it now. Thanks for responding though. And, by the way, you can add or subtract 360 degrees, or any multiple of 360 degrees with this one.
 
There are infinitely many answers, but the problem statement requested only 3.
 
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