Simple algebraic equation help

Not sure where I am getting the problem wrong.

Question

Simple algebraic equation help

Not sure where I am getting the problem wrong.

anonymous · Answer

I have to plug in 5,10,20,30 degrees into theta which I do but I get VERY different answers than the solutions.

anonymous · Answer

Ie: Theta = 5, Xc= -5x10^-5 but when I perform the calculation I get -2.456

directrix · Answer

What does this mean:  Xc

directrix · Answer

Is your calculator set for degrees?

anonymous · Answer

Its just position of X at the center of mass of a pendulum and mass system.

The problem states it is in degrees. I have my calculator in degrees.

anonymous · Answer

If I do it exactly as it is in the picture, would it always be 0 since sin(5-5)=0?

directrix · Answer

Once you find sine of an angle, that result is a real number. You cannot subtract degrees from a real number and get a meaningful result. Degrees are not real numbers.

Let me see if I can find someone to help you.

anonymous · Answer

Ok. Then performing the operation like this: [sin(5) - 5] * 0.5 ?