Home > Resources > Homework > Math > Unit Circle

Given a point $(a, b)$ on the unit circle, find the angle $ heta$ (in radians) between the line connecting the origin to the point and the positive x-axis.

Answer 1

Abigail Nelson

Abigail Nelson

To find the angle $\theta$ between the line connecting the origin to the point $(a, b)$ on the unit circle and the positive x-axis, we use the definition of sine and cosine.

Since $(a, b)$ is on the unit circle, we know that $a = \cos(\theta)$ and $b = \sin(\theta)$.

Therefore, $\theta = \arctan \left( \frac{b}{a} \right)$ if $a > 0$.

If $a < 0$, $\theta = \pi + \arctan \left( \frac{b}{a} \right)$.

If $a = 0$ and $b > 0$, $\theta = \frac{\pi}{2}$.

If $a = 0$ and $b < 0$, $\theta = \frac{3\pi}{2}$.

Answer: $\theta = \arctan \left( \frac{b}{a} \right)$ or other corresponding values based on the quadrant.

Answer 2

Alex Thompson

Ava Martin

Given the coordinates $(a, b)$ on the unit circle, we use trigonometric identities. First, we note that $a^2 + b^2 = 1$.

The angle $ heta$ can be found using the inverse trigonometric functions:

If $a > 0$, $ heta = arccos(a)$.

If $a < 0$:

If $b geq 0$, $ heta = pi – arccos(-a)$.

If $b < 0$, $ heta = pi + arccos(-a)$.

If $a = 0$, we use the values of $b$:

If $b > 0$, $ heta = frac{pi}{2}$.

If $b < 0$, $ heta = frac{3pi}{2}$.

Answer: $ heta = arccos(a)$ or other corresponding values based on the quadrant.

Answer 3

Amelia Mitchell

Emma Johnson

For any point $(a, b)$ on the unit circle, the angle $ heta$ can be computed directly using trigonometric functions.

Hence, $ heta = ext{atan2}(b, a)$.

Answer: $ heta = ext{atan2}(b, a)$.