Find the exact values of sin(120°) and cos(120°).
Solution
Problem
Find the exact values of sin(120°) and cos(120°).
The angle 120° lies in Quadrant II.
First, find its reference angle:
180° - 120° = 60°
So the reference angle is 60°.
The standard values for 60° are:
sin(60°) = √3/2
cos(60°) = 1/2
In Quadrant II, sine is positive and cosine is negative.
Therefore:
sin(120°) = √3/2
cos(120°) = -1/2
These are the exact values.
Result
sin(120°) = √3/2; cos(120°) = -1/2