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This document provides an overview of trigonometry including definitions of the basic trigonometric functions of sine, cosine, and tangent. It discusses how these functions can be defined using ratios of sides of right triangles as well as using coordinates on the unit circle. The document also covers important trigonometric identities and applications of trigonometry in various fields.

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28 views4 pages

1

This document provides an overview of trigonometry including definitions of the basic trigonometric functions of sine, cosine, and tangent. It discusses how these functions can be defined using ratios of sides of right triangles as well as using coordinates on the unit circle. The document also covers important trigonometric identities and applications of trigonometry in various fields.

Uploaded by

jaga022017
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Trigonometry notes:
Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that studies the relationship between sides
and angles of triangles. It is an essential tool in many fields, including
engineering, physics, and astronomy.

The three most basic trigonometric functions are sine, cosine, and tangent. These
functions can be defined using the ratios of the sides of a right triangle.

Sine

The sine of an angle is defined as the ratio of the opposite side to the hypotenuse
of a right triangle.

sin(a)=
hypotenuse
opposite

Cosine

The cosine of an angle is defined as the ratio of the adjacent side to the
hypotenuse of a right triangle.

cos(a)=
hypotenuse
adjacent

Tangent

The tangent of an angle is defined as the ratio of the opposite side to the
adjacent side of a right triangle.

tan(a)=
adjacent
opposite

The values of the sine, cosine, and tangent functions can be found for any angle
using a calculator or a trigonometric table.

Trigonometric functions can also be defined using the coordinates of a point on the
unit circle. The unit circle is a circle with radius 1, centered at the origin.

Sine and cosine using the unit circle

The sine of an angle is equal to the y-coordinate of a point on the unit circle
that is at an angle of a from the positive x-axis.

sin(a)=y

The cosine of an angle is equal to the x-coordinate of a point on the unit circle
that is at an angle of a from the positive x-axis.

cos(a)=x
Tangent using the unit circle

The tangent of an angle is equal to the slope of the line that passes through the
origin and the point on the unit circle that is at an angle of a from the positive
x-axis.

tan(a)=
cos(a)
sin(a)

Trigonometric functions have many important properties. Some of the most important
properties are listed below.

Pythagorean identity

sin
2
(a)+cos
2
(a)=1

Reciprocal identities

sin(a)=
csc(a)
1

cos(a)=
sec(a)
1

tan(a)=
cot(a)
1

Quotient identity

tan(a)=
cos(a)
sin(a)

Angle addition and subtraction identities

$$\sin(a + b) = \sin(a) \cos(b) + \cos(a) \sin(b)$$


cos(a+b)=cos(a)cos(b)−sin(a)sin(b)

sin(a−b)=sin(a)cos(b)−cos(a)sin(b)
cos(a−b)=cos(a)cos(b)+sin(a)sin(b)

Double angle identities

sin(2a)=2sin(a)cos(a)

cos(2a)=2cos
2
(a)−1

tan(2a)=
1−tan
2
(a)
2tan(a)

Half angle identities

sin(
2
a

)=±
2
1−cos(a)

cos(
2
a

)=±
2
1+cos(a)

tan(
2
a

)=±
1+cos(a)
sin(a)

Trigonometric functions are used in a wide variety of applications. Some of the


most common applications include:
Navigation: Trigonometric functions can be used to calculate the position of a ship
at sea or an airplane in the air.
Surveying: Trigonometric functions can be used to measure distances and angles
between points on the ground.
Engineering: Trigonometric functions are used in the design of bridges, buildings,
and other structures.
Physics: Trigonometric functions are used to describe the motion of objects, such
as planets and projectiles.
Astronomy: Trigonometric functions are used to study the positions and motions of
stars and planets.
Trigonometry is a powerful tool that can be used to solve a wide variety of

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