Shortcut Trick
If the sum of two angles is 90°, they are complementary angles.
For any two complementary angles A and B (where A + B = 90°), we have the standard trigonometric identity: cos B = sin A.
Since we are given that sin A = 5/13, we can substitute this value directly.
Therefore, cos B = 5/13.
∴ The correct answer is 5/13.
Alternate Method
Given:
A + B = 90°
sin A = 5/13
Formula Used:
In a right-angled triangle:
⇒ sin θ = Opposite Side ÷ Hypotenuse
⇒ cos θ = Adjacent Side ÷ Hypotenuse
A
B
A
C
B
5
12
13
Right Triangle ABC
Calculations:
⇒ Let us consider a right-angled triangle ABC, right-angled at C.
⇒ Since A + B = 90°, A and B are the two acute angles of this right-angled triangle.
⇒ We are given sin A = 5/13, which means the ratio of the side Opposite to A (BC) to the Hypotenuse (AB) is 5/13.
⇒ Let BC = 5 units and AB = 13 units.
⇒ Using Pythagoras theorem: AC2 + BC2 = AB2
⇒ AC2 + 52 = 132
⇒ AC2 + 25 = 169
⇒ AC2 = 144 ⇒ AC = 12 units
⇒ We need to find the value of cos B.
⇒ For angle B, the adjacent side is BC.
⇒ cos B = Adjacent Side ÷ Hypotenuse = BC / AB
⇒ cos B = 5 / 13
∴ The correct answer is 5/13.
Additional Information
Complementary Angles in Trigonometry
If two angles A and B sum up to 90°, they are known as complementary angles. Important conversion identities include sin A = cos B, tan A = cot B, and sec A = cosec B.
Basic Trigonometric Ratios
In any right-angled triangle, the sine function (sin θ) represents the ratio of the Perpendicular to the Hypotenuse, and the cosine function (cos θ) represents the ratio of the Base to the Hypotenuse.
Pythagorean Triplets
A set of three positive integers that strictly satisfy the condition a2 + b2 = c2 is called a Pythagorean triplet. Frequently tested triplets in exams include (3, 4, 5), (5, 12, 13), (7, 24, 25), and (8, 15, 17).