Find the reference angle in radians for a rotation of 5pi/3.

Check the final answer first, then review the worked steps.

Problem

Find the reference angle in radians for a rotation of 5pi/3.

Answer

\(\frac{\pi}{3}\)

Step-by-step solution

1. Identify the given angle: The given angle is $\frac{5\pi}{3}$ radians.
2. Determine the quadrant: An angle of $\frac{5\pi}{3}$ radians is in the fourth quadrant because it is between $\frac{3\pi}{2}$ (which is $\frac{6\pi}{3}$) and $2\pi$ (which is $\frac{6\pi}{3}$). Specifically, $\frac{3\pi}{2} < \frac{5\pi}{3} < 2\pi$.
3. Calculate the reference angle: The reference angle is the acute angle formed by the terminal side of the given angle and the x-axis. For an angle in the fourth quadrant, the reference angle is calculated as $2\pi - \theta$, where $\theta$ is the given angle.
Reference angle = $2\pi - \frac{5\pi}{3}$
To subtract these, find a common denominator, which is 3.
Reference angle = $\frac{6\pi}{3} - \frac{5\pi}{3}$
Reference angle = $\frac{6\pi - 5\pi}{3}$
Reference angle = $\frac{\pi}{3}$