Intro to Trigonometry Basics
Introduction to Trigonometry
Trigonometry, derived from the Greek words trigonon (triangle) and metron (measure),
is a branch of mathematics that focuses on the relationships between the angles and
sides of triangles. Its importance extends beyond academics and plays a crucial role in
various real-world applications.
Key Concepts
1. Angles: The foundation of trigonometry lies in angles, measured in degrees or
radians. Understanding angles is essential for tasks that involve rotation, such as
navigation or engineering.
2. Triangles: Trigonometry primarily deals with right triangles, where one angle
measures 90 degrees. The relationships between the sides of a right triangle are
defined by the sine, cosine, and tangent functions.
3. Unit Circle: The unit circle is a pivotal concept in trigonometry. It helps visualize
how the trigonometric functions behave as angles increase, providing an intuitive
grasp of their properties.
4. Trigonometric Identities: These are equations that relate the various
trigonometric functions to one another. They are vital for simplifying expressions
and solving equations.
Historical Context
Trigonometry has a rich history, originating from ancient civilizations, including the
Egyptians and Greeks, who used it for astronomical observations and architectural
designs. The development of trigonometry has led to advancements in various fields.
Real-Life Applications
Studying trigonometry is essential in several disciplines:
• Physics: Essential for analyzing waves, sound, and light.
• Engineering: Used in construction, design, and technology.
• Architecture: Vital for creating safe and aesthetically pleasing structures.
Understanding trigonometry not only equips students with mathematical skills but also
prepares them for complex problem-solving in their future endeavors.
Basic Trigonometric Ratios
Understanding the basic trigonometric ratios is crucial for solving problems involving
right triangles. These ratios are defined as follows:
Definitions of Trigonometric Ratios
1. Sine (sin): In a right triangle, the sine of an angle is the ratio of the length of the
opposite side to the hypotenuse.
[ \text{sin}(\theta) = \frac{\text{Opposite}}{\text{Hypotenuse}} ]
2. Cosine (cos): The cosine of an angle is the ratio of the length of the adjacent
side to the hypotenuse.
[ \text{cos}(\theta) = \frac{\text{Adjacent}}{\text{Hypotenuse}} ]
3. Tangent (tan): The tangent of an angle is the ratio of the length of the opposite
side to the adjacent side.
[ \text{tan}(\theta) = \frac{\text{Opposite}}{\text{Adjacent}} ]
Common Angles and Their Values
The values of these ratios for common angles are:
Angle (°) sin(θ) cos(θ) tan(θ)
0 0 1 0
30 1/2 √3/2 1/√3
45 √2/2 √2/2 1
60 √3/2 1/2 √3
90 1 0 Undefined
Mnemonic Device
To remember these ratios, you can use the mnemonic SOH-CAH-TOA:
• SOH: Sine = Opposite / Hypotenuse
• CAH: Cosine = Adjacent / Hypotenuse
• TOA: Tangent = Opposite / Adjacent
Practical Exercises
Here are a couple of practical exercises to help reinforce these concepts:
1. Find sin(30°), cos(30°), and tan(30°) using the values from the table.
2. Draw a right triangle and label the sides. Use SOH-CAH-TOA to determine the
sine, cosine, and tangent for the given angle.
By mastering these basic ratios and their applications, you’ll build a strong foundation in
trigonometry!
