it equals <span>(−<span>12</span>)</span> because <span><span>cos<span>(<span>60∘</span>)</span></span>=<span>12</span></span>
Explanation:
The reference angle for <span>240∘</span> is <span>60∘</span> (since <span><span>240∘</span>=<span>180∘</span>+<span>60∘</span></span>)
<span>60∘</span> is an angle of one of the standard triangles with <span><span>cos<span>(<span>60∘</span>)</span></span>=<span>12</span></span>
<span>240∘</span> is in the 3rd quadrant so (either by CAST or noting that the "x-side" of the associate triangle is negative) <span><span>cos<span>(<span>240∘</span>)</span></span>=−<span>cos<span>(<span>60∘</span>)</span></span></span>
