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Multiple Choice
Evaluate the expression. cos(sin−1(−257))
A
247
B
258
C
2524
D
−2524
Verified step by step guidance
1
Recognize that the expression involves the composition of inverse trigonometric functions. Specifically, we have \( \cos(\sin^{-1}(-\frac{7}{25})) \).
Understand that \( \sin^{-1}(x) \) gives an angle \( \theta \) such that \( \sin(\theta) = x \). Here, \( \sin(\theta) = -\frac{7}{25} \).
Use the Pythagorean identity \( \sin^2(\theta) + \cos^2(\theta) = 1 \) to find \( \cos(\theta) \). Substitute \( \sin(\theta) = -\frac{7}{25} \) into the identity.
Calculate \( \cos^2(\theta) = 1 - \left(-\frac{7}{25}\right)^2 \). Simplify this expression to find \( \cos^2(\theta) \).
Take the square root to find \( \cos(\theta) \). Since \( \theta \) is in the range of \( \sin^{-1} \), which is \([-\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{\pi}{2}]\), \( \cos(\theta) \) will be positive. Thus, \( \cos(\theta) = \frac{24}{25} \).