DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

MAT122: INTRODUCTORY MATHEMATICS II

LESSON 2: RIGHT TRIANGLE TRIGONOMETRY

February 2023

Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 1 / 35

Outline

1 RIGHT TRIANGLE TRIGONOMETRY

TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS OF ANY ANGLE
REFERENCE ANGLES
TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS OF REAL NUMBERS
EXERCISES

2 GRAPHS OF TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

3 INVERSE TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

4 SUM AND DIFFERENCE FORMULAS

Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 2 / 35

TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS OF ANY ANGLE

Definition 1 (Trigonometric Functions of Any Angle)

Let θ be an angle p
in standard position with a point (x, y ) on the terminal
side of θ and r = x 2 + y 2 6= 0.

y y
sin θ = r
cos θ = xr
tan θ = yx , x 6= 0
(x, y )
cot θ = yx , y 6= 0
r
csc θ = yr , y 6= 0 θ
x
sec θ = xr , x 6= 0

Because r 6= 0, it follows that the sine and cosine functions are defined
for any real value of θ.
Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 3 / 35
TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS OF ANY ANGLE
Example 2
Let (−3, 4) be a point on the terminal side of θ as shown on the figure
below. Find the sine, cosine, and tangent of θ
y
(−3, 4)

r θ
x

Solution.pReferring topthe Figure above,

√ we can see
√ that x = −3, y = 4
2 2 2 2
and r = x + y = (−3) + 4 = 9 + 16 = 25 = 5. Therefore,
y 4
sin θ = r = 5 = 0.8
cos θ = xr = −35 = −0.6
4
tan θ = yx = −3 = − 43 ≈ −1.333
Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 4 / 35
TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS OF ANY ANGLE
The signs of the trigonometric functions in the four quadrants can be
determined easily from the definitions of the functions. Since r > 0, we
note that sin θ is positive wherever y > 0 and cos θ is positive wherever
x > 0. The signs of other four (if defined at θ) trigonometric functions are
determined in terms of signs of sin θ and cos θ.
y
QUADRANT II QUADRANT I
sin θ : + sin θ : +
cos θ : − cos θ : +
tan θ : − tan θ : +
x

QUADRANT III QUADRANT IV

sin θ : − sin θ : −
cos θ : − cos θ : +
tan θ : + tan θ : −

Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 5 / 35

TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS OF ANY ANGLE
Definition 3 (Trigonometric Functions of Quadrant Angles)
An angle θ in standard position is said to be a quadrant angle if its
terminal side lies on one of the coordinate axes. These angles are integral
multiples of the angles 0◦ = 0 rad, 90◦ = π2 rad, 180◦ = π rad , and
270◦ = 3π2 rad.
Consider the points (1, 0), (0, 1), (−1, 0) and (0, −1) on the terminal side
of the quadrant angles 0, π2 , π and 3π 2 , respectively. Then

sin 0 = y
r =0 cos 0 = x
r =1 y
π
2 (0, 1)
sin π2 = y
r =1 cos π2 = x
r =0
y π 0
sin π = r =0 cos π = x
r = −1 x
(−1, 0) (1, 0)
sin 3π
2 =
y
r = −1 cos 3π
2 =
x
r =0
3π
2 (0, −1)

Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 6 / 35

TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS OF ANY ANGLE
Example 4
Given sin θ = − 23 and tan θ > 0, find cos θ, tan θ, csc θ, and sec θ.

Solution. Note that θ lies on Quadrant III. Since sin θ = − 23 = yr and

y < 0, we have y = −2 and r = 3. Hence √
x 2 + y 2 = r 2 ⇒ x 2 + 4 = 9 ⇒ x 2 = 5 ⇒ x = ± 5. √
Since (x, y ) is in Quadrant
√
III, x < 0; so that x = − 5.√Therefore,
5 √ = 2 5
(1) cos θ = r = − 3
x
(2) tan θ = yx = −−2 5 5
√
(2) csc θ = yr = − 32 (3) sec θ = xr = − √35 = − 3 5 5
Trigonometric Values of Common Angles: 0◦ , 30◦ , 45◦ , 60◦ , 90◦ , 180◦ , 270◦ .
θ in degrees 0◦ 30◦ 45◦ 60◦ 90◦ 180◦ 270◦
π π π π 3π
θ in radians 0 6 √4 √3 2 π 2
1 2 3
sin θ 0 √2 2 √2
1 0 −1
2 1 2
cos θ 1 2 √2 2 0 −1 0
1
tan θ 0 √
3
3 1 Undefined 0 Undefined
Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 7 / 35
REFERENCE ANGLES
The values of the trigonometric functions of angles greater than 90◦ (or
less than 0◦ ) can be determined from their values at corresponding acute
angles called reference angles.
Definition 5 (REFERENCE ANGLE)
Let θ be an angle in standard position. Its reference angle θ ′ is the acute
angle formed by the terminal side of θ and the horizontal axis. The
reference angles for θ in Quadrants II, III, and IV.
Quadrant II y y y

θ′ θ θ
θ
x x x
θ′ θ′
Quadrant III Quadrant IV
θ′ = π − θ (radians) θ′ = θ − π (radians) θ′ = 2π − θ (radians)
θ′ = 180◦ − θ (degrees) θ′ =θ− 180◦ (degrees) θ′ = 360◦ − θ (degrees)
Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 8 / 35
REFERENCE ANGLES

Example 6 (Finding Reference Angles)

Find the reference angle θ ′ . (a) θ = 300◦ (b) θ = 2.3 rad (c)θ = −135◦
Solution.
(a) Because θ = 300◦ lies in Quadrant IV, the angle it makes with the
x-axis is
θ ′ = 360◦ − 300◦ = 60◦ . (Degrees)
(b) Because π2 ≈ 1.5708.3 < 2.3 < 3.14 ≈ π, θ = 2.3 rad is in Quadrant
II and its reference angle is

θ ′ = π − θ = π − 2.3 ≈ 0.8416 (Radians)

(c) First, determine that θ = −135◦ is coterminal with θ = 225◦ which

lies in Quadrant III. So, the reference angle is

θ ′ = 225◦ − 180◦ = 45◦ . (Degrees)

Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 9 / 35

REFERENCE ANGLES

Definition 7 (Evaluating Trigonometric Functions of Any Angle)

To find the value of a trigonometric function of any angle θ :
1 Determine the function value of the associated reference angle θ ′ .
2 Depending on the quadrant in which θ lies, affix the appropriate sign
to the function value of θ ′ .

Remark 8
The fundamental trigonometric identities listed in the preceding lessons
(for an acute angle θ ) are also valid when θ is any angle in the domain of
the function.

Example 9
Evaluate each trigonometric function.
(a) cos 4π
3 (b) tan −210◦ (c) csc 11π
4 (d) sin −20π
3

Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 10 / 35

REFERENCE ANGLES
Solution.
4π
(a) Because θ = 3 lies in Quadrant III, the reference angle is
4π π
θ′ = −π = . (radians)
3 3
Moreover, the cosine is negative in Quadrant III, so
4π π 1
cos = − cos = − .
3 3 2
(b) Because 360◦ − 210◦ = 150◦ it follows that −210◦ is coterminal with
the second-quadrant angle 150◦ . Therefore, the reference angle is
θ ′ = 180◦ − 150◦ = 30◦ .
Finally, because the tangent is negative in Quadrant II, we have
√
◦ ◦ 1 3
tan −210 = − tan 30 = − √ = − .
3 3
Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 11 / 35
REFERENCE ANGLES
(c) Because 11π 3π 11π
4 − 2π = 4 , it follows that 4 is coterminal with the
3π
second-quadrant angle 4 . Therefore, the reference angle is
3π π
θ′ = π − = (radians)
4 4
Because the cosecant is positive in Quadrant II, we have
√
11π π 2
csc = csc = .
4 4 2
4π
(d) Because −20π
3 + 8π = 3 , it follows that
−20π
3 is coterminal with the
4π
third-quadrant angle 3 . Therefore, the reference angle is
4π π
θ′ = −π = (radians)
3 3
Because the sine is negative in Quadrant III, we have
√
−20π π 3
sin = − sin = .
3 3 2
Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 12 / 35
REFERENCE ANGLES
Example 10 (Using Trigonometric Identities)
Let θ be an angle in Quadrant II such that sin θ = 13 . Using trigonometric
identities find (a) cos θ (b) tan θ

Solution.
(a) Using the Pythagorean identity sin2 θ + cos2 θ = 1 we obtain
√
1 2 2 2 1 8 2 2
( ) +cos θ = 1 ⇒ ⇒ cos θ = 1− = ⇒ cos θ = ± .
3 9 9 3
Because cos θ < 0 in Quadrant II, we can use the negative root to
obtain √
2 2
cos θ = − .
3
sin θ
(b) Using the trigonometric identity tan θ = cos θ we obtain
1
√
sin θ 3√ 1 2
tan θ = = =− √ =− .
cos θ − 2 2 2 2 4
3
Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 13 / 35
Trigonometric functions of real numbers
To define a trigonometric function of a real number (rather than an
angle), let t represent any real number. Then imagine that the real
number line is wrapped around a unit circle, as shown in the Figure below.
Note that positive numbers correspond to a counterclockwise wrapping,
and negative numbers correspond to a clockwise wrapping.
y y)
(x, y
t>0
t
θ (1, 0)
x x
(1, 0) θ
t
(x, y ) t < 0

As the real number line is wrapped around the unit circle, each real
number t will correspond to a central angle θ (in standard position).
Moreover, because the circle has a radius of 1, the arc intercepted by the
angle θ will have (directional) length s = r θ = (1)(t) = t.
Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 14 / 35
Trigonometric functions of real numbers

Definition 11 (Trigonometric functions of real numbers)

Let t be a real number. If θ is the central angle in standard position
corresponding to t(after wrapping around the unit circle), then we define

sin t = sin θ and cos t = cos θ.

Definition 12 (Periodic Function)

A function f is said to be periodic when there exists a positive real
number c such that for all t in the domain of f

f (t + c) = f (t)

for all t in the domain of f . The least number for which f is periodic is
called the period of f .

If f (t) = sin t and g (t) = cos t, then Dom(f ) = (−∞, +∞) = Dom(g ).
Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 15 / 35
Trigonometric functions of real numbers
Note that θ + 2π and θ are co-terminal angles for any angle θ in standard
position.
Example 13 (f (x) = sin x is a Periodic Function)
The function f (x) = sin x is 2π-periodic; that is

sin(x + 2π) = sin x, x ∈ R.

Since (x + 2π)rad and x rad are co-terminal angles,

f (x + 2π) = sin(x + 2π) = sin x = f (x)

for all real numbers x.

Example 14 (f (x) = cos x is a Periodic Function)
The function f (x) = cos x is 2π-periodic; that is

cos(x + 2π) = cos x, x ∈ R.

Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 16 / 35
Trigonometric functions of real numbers

Remark 15
For any real number x the other four trigonometric functions are defined
in terms of the sine and cosine functions. For instance,
sin x π
1 tan x = cos x for x 6= nπ + 2 where n is an integer.
cos x
2 cot x = sin x for x 6= nπ where n is an integer.
1
3 csc x = sin x for x 6= nπ where n is an integer.
1 π
4 sec x = cos x for x 6= nπ + 2 where n is an integer.

Proposition 16 (Even and Odd Trigonometric Functions)

The cosine and secant functions are even.
1. cos (−x) = cos x 2. sec (−x) = sec x
The sine, cosecant, tangent, and cotangent functions are odd.
3. sin (−x) = − sin x 5. csc (−x) = − csc x
4. tan (−x) = − tan x 6. cot (−x) = − cot x

Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 17 / 35

EXERCISES
SUMMARY:
• Introduction to basic trigonometry is complete in this stage.
• Measurement of angles in both degrees and radians have been well
articulated.
• The definitions of the six trigonometric functions from a right triangle
perspective and as functions of real numbers are introduced.
EXERCISES
1. Determine the exact values of the six trigonometric functions of the
angle θ shown in the figure below.
y
(4, 3)

θ
x

Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 18 / 35

EXERCISES

2. If tan θ = − 15
8 and sin θ < 0, find the values of the six trigonometric
functions of θ.
3. Evaluate the secant of the quadrant angle θ = πradians, if possible.
4. Find the reference angle θ ′ of the angle θ = −1.8 (radians). Sketch θ
in standard position and label θ ′ .
5. Evaluate the sine, cosine, and tangent of the angle θ = − 17π
6 without
using a calculator.
6. Let θ be an angle in Quadrant IV such that sin θ = − 35 . Find cos θ.
7. Use a calculator to evaluate the trigonometric function. Round your
answer to four decimal places. (Be sure the calculator is set in the
correct angle mode.)

15π
(a) cot (−220◦ ) (b) tan (− )
14

Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 19 / 35

GRAPHS OF TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS
SINE CURVE
The graph of the sine function f (x) = sin x is called a sine curve (or sine
wave). Note that
1 Domain of f = (−∞, ∞).
2 f is 2π-periodic.
3 Range of f = [−1, 1].
4 The sine curve is symmetric with respect to the origin because
sine function is an odd function.
5 x-intercepts: (nπ, 0) for each integer n
6 y-intercept: (0, 0)
7 The values of f at special and quadrant angles are given as follows

x −2π − 3π
2 −π − π2 0 π
6
π
√4
π
√3
π
2 π 3π
2 2π
1 2 3
sin x 0 1 0 -1 0 2 2 2 1 0 -1 0

Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 20 / 35

SINE CURVE
With the above information the sine curve in the interval [−2π, 2π] is
given below.

Graph of f (x) = sin x

2

-2π -1.5π -1π -0.5π 0.5π 1π 1.5π 2π

−1

−2

Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 21 / 35

COSINE CURVE

The graph of the cosine function g (x) = cos x is called a cosine curve(or
sine wave). We recall that
1 Domain of g = (−∞, ∞).
2 g is 2π-periodic.
3 Range of g = [−1, 1].
4 The cosine curve is symmetric with respect to the y-axis because
cosine function is an even function.
5 x-intercepts: (nπ + π2 , 0) for each integer n
6 y-intercept: (0, 1)
7 The values of g at special and quadrant angles are given as follows

x −2π − 3π
2 −π − π2 0 π
√6
π
√4
π
3
π
2 π 3π
2 2π
3 2 1
cos x 1 0 -1 0 1 2 2 2 0 -1 0 1

Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 22 / 35

COSINE CURVE
With the above information the cosine curve in the interval [−2π, 2π] is
given below.

Graph of g (x) = cos x

2

-2π -1.5π -1π -0.5π 0.5π 1π 1.5π 2π

−1

−2

Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 23 / 35

GRAPH OF THE TANGENT FUNCTION
If f (x) = tan x, recall that
1 The function f is odd. That is, f (−x) = tan (−x) = − tan x = −f (x)

for any x 6= nπ + π2 . Consequently, the graph of y = tan x is

symmetric with respect to the origin.
2 Domain of f = R \ {nπ + π : n is an integer}.
2
3 Range of f = R.

4 x-intercepts: (nπ, 0) for each integer n

5 y-intercept: (0, 0)

6 Vertical asymptotes: For each integer n the line x = nπ + π is a

2
vertical asymptote.
Let us study the nature of the tangent function on the interval (− π2 , π2 ).
Use a calculator in radian mode to justify the values.
The following table gives you hint about the nature of f (x) = tan x as you
are getting very close and close to − π2 from the right side.

x − π2 -1.570796 -1.57079 -1.5707 -1.57 -1.5 0

tan x Undefined -37,320,539 -158,058 -10,381 -1,256 -14 0
Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 24 / 35
GRAPH OF THE TANGENT FUNCTION
The following table gives you hint about the nature of f (x) = tan x as you
are getting very close and close to − π2 from the left side.
π
x 0 1.5 1.57 1.5707 1.57079 1.570796 2
tan x 0 14 1,256 10,381 158,058 37,320,539 Undefined
As indicated in the tables,
1 f (x) = tan x decreases without bound as x approaches − π from the
2
right.
2 f (x) = tan x increases without bound as x approaches π from the left.
2
So, the graph of f (x) = tan x has vertical asymptotes at
π π
x = − and x = .
2 2
Moreover, because the period of the tangent function is π, vertical
asymptotes also occur at
π
x = nπ + , n is an integer.
2
Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 25 / 35
GRAPH OF THE TANGENT FUNCTION
With all the information from the last two slides the graph of the tangent
function is given below.

GRAPH OF f (x) = tan x

6

-2π -1.5π -1π -0.5π 0.5π 1π 1.5π 2π

−2

−4

−6

Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 26 / 35

GRAPH OF THE COTANGENT FUNCTION
Verify the following properties of the cotangent function f (x) = cot x.
1 Domain of f = R \ {nπ : n is an integer }.
2 One cycle occurs between 0 and π.

3 Range of f = (−∞, ∞).

4 Vertical asymptotes: x = nπ for each integer n. The asymptote that

occurs at π repeats every π units.

5 f is periodic with period: π.

6 The x-intercepts of the graph of y = tan x are the asymptotes of the

graph of y = cot x.
7 The asymptotes of the graph of y = tan x are the x-intercepts of the

graph of y = cot x.
8 The graphs of y = tan x and y = cot x have the same x-values for

y-values of 1 and -1.

9 The graphs of y = tan x and y = cot x ”face” in opposite directions.

See the graph given below and compare it with the graph of the tangent
function.
Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 27 / 35
GRAPH OF THE COTANGENT FUNCTION

THE GRAPH OF f (x) = cot x

y
+4

+3

+2

+1

x
−2π−1 1 π −π − 1 π + 21 π +π +1 1 π+2π
2 2 2
−1

−2

−3

−4
Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 28 / 35
GRAPH OF THE COSECANT FUNCTION
Verify the following properties of the cotangent function f (x) = csc x.
1 Domain of f = R \ {nπ : n is an integer }.
2 Range of f = (−∞, −1] ∪ [1, ∞).
3 Vertical asymptotes: x = nπ for each integer n. The asymptote that
occurs at 0 repeats every π units.
4 f is 2π−periodic.
5 No x-intercepts
6 The maximum values of y = sin x are minimum values of the positive
sections of y = csc x.
7 The minimum values of y = sin x are the maximum values of the
negative sections of y = csc x.
8 The ”U” shapes of the cosecant graph are tangent to its reciprocal
function, sine, at sine’s max and min locations.
9 Odd function. Symmetric with respect to the origin.
Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 29 / 35
GRAPH OF THE COSECANT FUNCTION

THE GRAPH OF f (x) = csc x

y
+4

+3

+2

+1

x
−2π−1 1 π −π − 1 π + 21 π +π +1 1 π+2π
2 2 2
−1

−2

−3

−4
Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 30 / 35
GRAPH OF THE SECANT FUNCTION
Check the following details for the cotangent function f (x) = sec x.
1 Domain of f = R \ {nπ + π : n is an integer }.
2
2 Range of f = (−∞, −1] ∪ [1, ∞).

3 There are vertical asymptotes. The asymptote that occurs at π

2
repeats every π units. The vertical lines
π
x = nπ +
2
are vertical asymptotes of the graph of f .
4 f is 2π-periodic.

5 The maximum values of y = cos x are minimum values of the positive

sections of y = sec x. The minimum values of y = cos x are the

maximum values of the negative sections of y = sec x.
6 The x-intercepts of y = cos x are the asymptotes for y = sec x.

7 The ”U” shapes of the secant graph are tangent to its reciprocal

function, cosine, at cosine’s maximum and minimum locations.

8 Even function. Symmetric with respect to y-axis.

Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 31 / 35

GRAPH OF THE SECANT FUNCTION

THE GRAPH OF f (x) = sec x

y
+4

+3

+2

+1

x
−2π−1 1 π −π − 1 π + 21 π +π +1 1 π+2π
2 2 2
−1

−2

−3

−4
Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 32 / 35
READING ASSIGNMENT
Recall the following rigid and non-rigid transformations discussed on
MAT111 (Introductory Mathematics I). Try to analyze these
transformations for trigonometric functions. (a, b, and c are positive
numbers)
1 Horizontal shift: h(x) = sin(x − c) and h(x) = sin(x + c)
2 Vertical shift: h(x) = sin x + c and h(x) = sin x − c
3 Reflection about the x-axis: h(x) = − sin x
4 Reflection about the y-axis: h(x) = sin (−x)
5 Horizontal shrink (or Horizontal expand): h(x) = sin (bx)
6 Vertical shrink (or Vertical expand): h(x) = a sin x
In general analyze the properties of graphs of functions

h(x) = a sin (bx + c) and k(x) == a cos (bx + c)

by taking the parent functions f (x) = sin x and g (x) = cos x.

Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 33 / 35
INVERSE TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS
Recall that for a function to have an inverse function, it must be
one-to-one that is, it must pass the Horizontal Line Test. By restricting
the domain of a trigonometric function it is possible to obtain a
one-to-one function; so that it is invertible in that restricted domain. We
suffice to the functions the phrase ”arc” to mean inverse of that
trigonometric function. The following table gives you domain and range of
inverse trigonometric functions.
Function Domain Range
y = arcsin x ⇔ x = sin y −1 ≤ x ≤ 1 − π2 ≤ y ≤ π2
y = arccos x ⇔ x = cos y −1 ≤ x ≤ 1 0≤y ≤π
y = arctan x ⇔ x = tan y −∞ < x < ∞ − π2 < y < π2
y = arccotx ⇔ x = cot y −∞ < x < ∞ 0<y <π
y = arcsecx ⇔ x = sec y x ∈ (−∞, −1] ∪ [1, ∞) y ∈ [0, π2 ) ∪ ( π2 , π]
y = arccscx ⇔ x = csc y x ∈ (−∞, −1] ∪ [1, ∞) y ∈ [− π2 , 0) ∪ (0, π2 ]
Sketch graphs of these functions as reflection along the line y = x of the
graphs of six trigonometric functions
Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 34 / 35
SUM AND DIFFERENCE FORMULAS
Let u and v be radian measures of angles.
A. Sum and Difference Formulas:
1 sin (u + v ) = sin u cos v + cos u sin v

2 sin (u − v ) = sin u cos v − cos u sin v

3 cos (u + v ) = cos u cos v − sin u sin v

4 cos (u − v ) = cos u cos v + sin u sin v

5 tan (u + v ) = tan u+tan v

1−tan u tan v
6 tan (u − v ) = tan u−tan v
1+tan u tan v
B. Double-Angle Formulas:
1 sin (2u) = 2 sin u cos u

2 cos (2u) = cos2 u − sin2 u = cos2 u − (1 − cos2 u) = 2 cos2 u − 1

3 tan (2u) = 2 tan u

1−tan2 u
C. Power-Reducing Formulas:
1 sin2 u =
1−cos (2u)
2
2 cos2 u =
1+cos (2u)
2
3 tan2 u =
1−cos (2u)
1+cos(2u)
Lesson 2 MAT122 February 2023 35 / 35