Problem 72

Question

Determine whether each statement makes sense or does not make sense, and explain your reasoning. The sine and cosine are cofunctions and reciprocals of each other.

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
The statement 'The sine and cosine are cofunctions and reciprocals of each other.' only makes partial sense. They are cofunctions of each other, but they are not reciprocals of each other.
1Step 1: Understand trigonometric functions
In trigonometry, sine and cosine are fundamental functions. They are not reciprocals of each other. Reciprocal of sine is cosecant, and reciprocal of cosine is secant. Therefore, the part of the statement saying they are reciprocals is incorrect.
2Step 2: Analyze cofunctions
The term 'cofunction' in trigonometry refers to functions where for all acute angles, their function values add up to 90 degrees. Sine and Cosine are indeed cofunctions because sin(x) = cos(90° - x), they satisfy the cofunction identity. Therefore, the part of the statement saying they are cofunctions is correct.