Angle [tex]\theta[/tex] is in standard position. If [tex]\sin (\theta) = -\frac{1}{3}[/tex] and [tex]\pi \ \textless \ \theta \ \textless \ \frac{3 \pi}{2}[/tex], find [tex]\cos (\theta)[/tex].

A. [tex]-\frac{2 \sqrt{2}}{3}[/tex]
B. [tex]-\frac{4}{3}[/tex]
C. [tex]\frac{4}{3}[/tex]
D. [tex]\frac{2 \sqrt{2}}{3}[/tex]



Answer :

To determine \(\cos(\theta)\) given that \(\sin(\theta) = -\frac{1}{3}\) and \(\pi < \theta < \frac{3\pi}{2}\), follow these steps:

1. Identify the Quadrant:
Since \(\pi < \theta < \frac{3\pi}{2}\), the angle \(\theta\) is in the third quadrant. In the third quadrant, sine is negative and cosine is also negative.

2. Use the Pythagorean Identity:
The Pythagorean identity states:
[tex]\[ \sin^2(\theta) + \cos^2(\theta) = 1 \][/tex]

3. Substitute the Known Sine Value:
Given \(\sin(\theta) = -\frac{1}{3}\), first find \(\sin^2(\theta)\):
[tex]\[ \sin^2(\theta) = \left(-\frac{1}{3}\right)^2 = \frac{1}{9} \][/tex]

4. Express \(\cos^2(\theta)\) in Terms of Known Values:
We use the identity \(\sin^2(\theta) + \cos^2(\theta) = 1\) to solve for \(\cos^2(\theta)\):
[tex]\[ \cos^2(\theta) = 1 - \sin^2(\theta) \][/tex]
Substituting \(\sin^2(\theta)\):
[tex]\[ \cos^2(\theta) = 1 - \frac{1}{9} \][/tex]
Simplify the expression:
[tex]\[ \cos^2(\theta) = \frac{9}{9} - \frac{1}{9} = \frac{8}{9} \][/tex]

5. Determine \(\cos(\theta)\):
To find \(\cos(\theta)\), take the square root of both sides. Since \(\cos(\theta)\) is in the third quadrant and must be negative:
[tex]\[ \cos(\theta) = -\sqrt{\frac{8}{9}} = -\frac{\sqrt{8}}{3} = -\frac{2\sqrt{2}}{3} \][/tex]

Therefore, the value of \(\cos(\theta)\) is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{-\frac{2\sqrt{2}}{3}} \][/tex]

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