Theta can be either one of the angles that is not the right angle in a triangle.) If it is, you can look at either two separate calls (one to sin and another to cos) or use the identity function. SOH CAH TOA is ... use cos, otherwise, use sin. In the picture as drawn, $x$ is $r\cos\alpha$ and $y$ is $r\sin\alpha$. If you are told that the torque is at a maximum value, you know the angle is at 90 degrees; otherwise, the aforementioned equation must be rearranged. Trigonometric sin and cos are ratios of two specific sides in right angle triangle and useful in relating angles and sides of triangles. The use of these trigonometric sin and cos has been rapidly increased in resolving engineering, navigation and physics problems. (Note: opposite and adjacent are always in relation to the angle theta. M1-how to know when to use cos or sin when resolving Watch. Do we always use $\cos$ for $x$-component or what? In this use, trigonometric functions are used, for instance, in navigation, engineering, and physics. SOH CAH TOA is Answer to How do you know whether to use cos or sin in the following problem? But again, do not memorize, this will always be sine and this always cosine, since it is very easy to get tricked by doing this. In simple harmonic motion, you can use either the sin or cos form of the equation but my question is which one do you use when and why? Sin^-1 in the inverse form of sine. theta, think whether there's any torque when you're applying F along the d line. cos?) I have always read that to calculate torque, the formula is T = F x r x sin theta. One can give you the angle with respect to the vertical axis and sine and cosine change places. How do you calculate torque angle? Learn everything you need to know to get started applying it. Using sincos in Java. You expect all of the force in the y-axis and nothing on x. About Transcript. Chapter 8 Torque and Angular Momentum Review of Chapter 5 ... cos 0 2 sin Use the torque relation T T T T T T cos 2 sin cos 2 sin ... To use the torque The torque is then given by: T = F * L * cos(a) ... Aeronautical engineers use the torque generated by aerodynamic surfaces to stabilize and control aircraft. Strictly speaking, torque is a vector quantity, which is always perpendicular to both radius and force; but for now, we'll describe torques by the direction they tend to rotate the object in question: clockwise or counter-clockwise. Sine or Cosine? But then by Pythagoras' theorem you have o 2 + a 2 = 1 and so sin 2 x + cos 2 x = 1 However, this last equation doesn't involve h anywhere, and so it holds for all values ... For T=Fd (sin? You use these functions when you either have a length and an angle and you are looking for a length or when you have two lengths and are looking for an angle. There is a simple way to remember which one to use. The torque is then given by: T = F * L * cos(a) ... Aeronautical engineers use the torque generated by aerodynamic surfaces to stabilize and control aircraft. Cross product and torque. ... We use the right hand rule, right? Ask Question. Inverse Trig. Can someone explain it to me? sin x = o/h cos x = a/h tan x = o/a And from that you can prove more interesting things. torque = (distance from pivot) * (force) * sin(theta) where theta is the angle between radius from pivot to force, and the direction of the force. Torque is one of the fundamental concepts in understanding rotational motion. How do i know wheather to use sine or cos? I'm a little confused about how you choose to use either sine or cosine or tangent ... when to use sine vs cosine vs tangent.