If 0 degrees ≤ A ≤ 180 degrees, and tan A=-√3, how do I find the value of sinA?

Question

anonymous · Answer

|dw:1336527371056:dw|

anonymous · Answer

why is √3 the opposite and 1 the adjacent? ahh..

anonymous · Answer

there is an angle $A$ with $\tan(A)=-\sqrt{3}$ find the hypotenuse by pythagoras and then take the usual ratios

anonymous · Answer

to ask is to answer, yes?

anonymous · Answer

ohh, yes.

anonymous · Answer

hypotenuse is 
$$\sqrt{\sqrt{3}^2+1^2}=\sqrt{4}=2$$ and all should be good from there. just keep in mind that you are in quadrant II so sine is positive but cosine is negative

anonymous · Answer

ohhh.. alright. By the way, do I have to  memorize special triangles and their angles? For ex. sin60 degrees = √3/2.

anonymous · Answer

it certainly wouldn't hurt. they are all on the cheat sheet  i am attaching. take a look

anonymous · Answer

ohh, thank you!

anonymous · Answer

yw