Angles that are integer multiples of often lie exactly on one of the coordinate axes.

MATHEMATICS · Multi-part · A Level · Mathematics · Trigonometry · Trigonometry

Problem

Angles that are integer multiples of π2\dfrac{\pi}{2} often lie exactly on one of the coordinate axes. (i) Prove that if an angle θ\theta satisfies θ=nπ2\theta=n\dfrac{\pi}{2} for some integer nn, then its terminal side lies on one of the coordinate axes. (ii) State precisely which axis (positive or negative branch) corresponds to each residue class of nn modulo 44. (iii) Classify the following angles according to the axis on which their terminal sides lie: 9π2,  −3π,  −5π2,  14π\dfrac{9\pi}{2},\; -3\pi,\; -\dfrac{5\pi}{2},\; 14\pi. (iv) Comment on whether any of the angles in part (iii) can be described as lying in a quadrant. Justify your answer.

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