Mathematics

Mathematics

Problem

Which is smaller, sin⁡64∘\sin 64^{\circ} or cos⁡64∘\cos 64^{\circ} ? a) cos⁡64∘\cos 64^{\circ} b) sin⁡64∘\sin 64^{\circ} c) cannot be compared d) both are equal
Intuitive explanation

The key insight is to use the complementary angle relationship: sin⁡θ=cos⁡(90°−θ)\sin \theta = \cos(90° - \theta). Since sin⁡64°=cos⁡26°\sin 64° = \cos 26°, you're really comparing cos⁡26°\cos 26° and cos⁡64°\cos 64°. Because cosine is a decreasing function on [0°,180°][0°, 180°], the larger angle gives the smaller cosine value—so cos⁡64°<cos⁡26°\cos 64° < \cos 26°.

Intuitive explanation

The key insight is to use the complementary angle relationship: sin⁡θ=cos⁡(90°−θ)\sin \theta = \cos(90° - \theta). Since sin⁡64°=cos⁡26°\sin 64° = \cos 26°, you're really comparing cos⁡26°\cos 26° and cos⁡64°\cos 64°. Because cosine is a decreasing function on [0°,180°][0°, 180°], the larger angle gives the smaller cosine value—so cos⁡64°<cos⁡26°\cos 64° < \cos 26°.

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