IB skill practice

Prove and use trigonometric identities

Use core trigonometric identities to connect exact ratios and justify each algebraic step.

Paper 1 5 marks Difficulty 3

Use the Pythagorean identity from a sine value

An acute angle \(\theta\) has \(\sin\theta=\frac{8}{17}\). Use the identity \(\sin^{2}\theta+\cos^{2}\theta=1\) to find \(\sin^{2}\theta\), \(\cos^{2}\theta\), and \(\cos\theta\).

Worked practice: trigonometric identity

Square the sine value, subtract from one, then take the positive cosine value.