Scribd
Upload
5 views3 pages

5.4 - Trig Functions of Real Numbers - 1113 Worked

The document explains trigonometric functions using the unit circle and right triangles, highlighting how both definitions yield the same outputs. It discusses special angles, the domain and range of sine and cosine, and the periodic properties of trigonometric functions, emphasizing their even and odd characteristics. Additionally, it provides examples and exercises for finding exact values of trig functions and understanding periodic behavior.

Uploaded by

ronaldrugar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
5 views3 pages

5.4 - Trig Functions of Real Numbers - 1113 Worked

The document explains trigonometric functions using the unit circle and right triangles, highlighting how both definitions yield the same outputs. It discusses special angles, the domain and range of sine and cosine, and the periodic properties of trigonometric functions, emphasizing their even and odd characteristics. Additionally, it provides examples and exercises for finding exact values of trig functions and understanding periodic behavior.

Uploaded by

ronaldrugar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Page 1 of 3

5.4 Trig Functions of Real Numbers


The Unit Circle:
In a unit circle, the radian measure of the central angle is equal to the length of the intercepted arc. Recall
𝑠 = 𝑟𝜃 and 𝑟 = 1, so 𝑠 = 𝑟.

How Can A Function Have 2 Different Definitions?


Trig functions can be defined 2 different ways, using a unit circle or using right triangles. For any given input, either the
right triangle or the unit circle definition will give the same output.

Examples:
1. Use the right triangle definition of sine to show that sin t = y on the unit circle.

2. Use the figure below to find the values of the trigonometric functions at t.

sin t = csc t =

cos t = sec t =

tan t = cot t =
Page 2 of 3

Special Angles and the Unit Circle:


If you know your 3 special triangles and understand reference angles, you can easily draw the unit circle.

Use the unit circle to find the values of the trigonometric functions at the indicated real numbers, t, or state that the
expression is undefined.
5𝜋
cos tan 225°
6

7𝜋
csc sec 945°
6

11𝜋 𝜋
cot − sin
6 2

tan –π cos 0

YOU MUST BE ABLE TO FIND EXACT VALUES OF TRIG FUNCTIONS AT ALL SPECIAL
ANGLES. There are 2 ways to do this:
1. Using special triangles and reference angles
2. Memorizing and using the unit circle

Domain and Range of Sine and Cosine:


Recall that the domain of a function is the set of all input values that give out something real and well-defined. For
almost every function we have seen so far, the input value is x and the output is y.

However, for trig functions the input is an angle, usually θ or t, and NOT x. In fact, x is the OUTPUT of cos t.

The angle t can take on any value. We can go around and around the circle in either direction.
The x coordinate, which is cosine, and the y coordinate, which is sine, oscillate between -1 and 1.

We will revisit domain and range when we graph trig functions in section 4.5.
Page 3 of 3

Use the Unit Circle Definitions to Determine Which Trig


Functions are Even and Odd:
For even functions 𝑓(−𝑡) = 𝑓(𝑡).

Recall cos 𝑡 = 𝑥. From the picture, we see that the x-coordinate is the same
for both t and –t. Therefore cos(𝑡) = cos(−𝑡) and cosine is an even
function.

For odd functions 𝑓(−𝑡) = −𝑓(𝑡).

Recall sin 𝑡 = 𝑦. From the picture, we see that the y-coordinate is opposite
for t and –t. Therefore sin(−𝑡) = −sin(𝑡) and sine is an odd function.

You can use the same logic to show all of the following:

Examples:
Let sin 𝑡 = 𝑎, cos 𝑡 = 𝑏, and tan 𝑡 = 𝑐. Write the expression in terms of 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐. Simplify your answer.

7 sin(−𝑡) − 3 sin(𝑡)

Periodic Functions:

Periodic Properties of Trig Functions:

 All 6 trigonometric functions are periodic.


 The period of sine, cosine, secant and cosecant is 2π.
 The period for tangent and cotangent is π.
 Every time you make a full rotation around the unit circle, you get back to the same point on the unit circle, so
trig functions repeat every time your angle is increased (or decreased) by 2π.
 Because tangent and cotangent are ratios of the x and y coordinates, they repeat more often and therefore
have a shorter period.
Example:
𝜋
The height of the water, H, in feet, at a boat dock t hours after 6 am is given by 𝐻 = 10 + 4 sin 6 𝑡.

a. Find the height of the water at the dock at 6 am, 9 am , noon, 6pm, midnight, and 3 am.
b. What is the period of this function?

You might also like