If sine x equals cosine x, what is x in radians?
 

  • A \(\frac{\pi}{2}\)
  • B \(\frac{\pi}{3}\)
  • C \(\frac{\pi}{4}\)
  • D \(\frac{\pi}{6}\)
  • E \(\frac{\pi}{12}\)

The correct answer is C. \(\frac{\pi}{4}\)

If \(\sin x = \cos x\), then \(\sin(x) = \cos(x)\). 

Using the identity \(\cos(x) = \sin(\frac{\pi}{2} - x)\), we can rewrite the equation as \(\sin(x) = \sin(\frac{\pi}{2} - x)\). This equation has two solutions: 

\(x = \frac{\pi}{2} - x + 2n\pi\) and \(x = \frac{\pi}{2} + x + 2n\pi\), where \(n\) is an integer. 

Solving for \(x\) in the first equation, we get \(x = \frac{\pi}{4} + n\pi\). 

The smallest positive solution is when n = 0, so \(x = \frac{\pi}{4}\). 

Therefore, the value of x in radians is \(\frac{\pi}{4}\).

Previous question Next question