Class 10 Mathematics | Introduction to Trigonometry | Notes

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Class 10 Mathematics | Introduction to Trigonometry | Notes

Introduction to Trigonometry
Notes

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Class 10 Mathematics | Introduction to Trigonometry | Notes

Trigonometry

The word ‘trigonometry’ is derived from the Greek words ‘tri’ (meaning three), ‘gon’
(meaning sides) and ‘metron’ (meaning measure). In fact, trigonometry is the study of
relationships between the sides and angles of a triangle.

Application of Trigonometry

Find height of tall building or tower without actually measuring it

1. Find the height at which an object , airplane or balloon is flying

Trigonometric Ratios

Mantra : Pandit Badri Prasad.. Hare hare Bol.

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Class 10 Mathematics | Introduction to Trigonometry | Notes

Using this logic ,In right ΔABC

sine of ∠ A = P/H = BC/AC

cosine of ∠ A = B/H = AB/AC

tangent of ∠ A = P/B = BC/AB

cosecant of ∠ A = 1/ sine of A = AC/BC

secant of ∠ A = 1/cosine of A = AC/AB

cotangent of ∠ A = 1/tangent of A = AB/BC

The value of sin A or cos A never exceeds 1, whereas the value of sec A or cosec A is
always greater than or equal to 1.

Trigonometric ratios of an acute angle in a right triangle express the relationship between
the angle and the length of its sides.

The values of the trigonometric ratios of an angle do not vary with the lengths of the sides
of the triangle, if the angle remains the same.

Greek letter θ (theta) is also used to denote an angle

Numerical: In Δ ABC, right-angled at B, AB = 24 cm, BC = 7 cm. Determine : sin A, cos

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Class 10 Mathematics | Introduction to Trigonometry | Notes

Solution:

We can find the third side, hypotenuse AC = √ AB2 + BC2 = √242 + 72 = 25

Sin A = P/H = BC/AC = 7/25

Cos A = B/H = AB/AC = 24/25

Sin C = P/H = AB/AC=24/25

Cos C = B/H =BC/AC = 7/25

If one of the trigonometric ratios of an acute angle is known, the remaining trigonometric
ratios of the angle can be easily determined

Numerical : Given tan A = 4/3 , find the other trigonometric ratios of the angle A.

Solution :

Tan A = P/B = BC/AB = 4/3, so let’s assume BC = 4k & AB = 3k

Using Pythagoras theorem, AC = 5k.

Sin A = P/H = BC/AC =4k/5k = 4/5

Cos A = B/H = AB/AC = 3k/5k = 3/5

Trigonometric Ratios of Some specific Angles

Let’s see the values of trigonometric ratios for angles 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90°.

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Class 10 Mathematics | Introduction to Trigonometry | Notes

From the table above you can observe that as ∠ A increases from 0° to 90°, sin A increases
from 0 to 1 and cos A decreases from 1 to 0.

For proof, refer Learnohub video lessons.

Numerical: In Δ ABC, right-angled at B, AB = 5 cm and ∠ ACB = 30°. Determine the

Solution:

Tan C =P/B =AB/BC

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Class 10 Mathematics | Introduction to Trigonometry | Notes

Or Tan 300 = 5cm/BC

1/√3 = 5cm /BC (using table, tan 300 =1/√3).

Or BC = 5√3 cm.

Now we can find the third side by Pythagoras Theorem. We can also find third side using
trigonometric identities.

Sin C = P/H = AB/AC

Or Sin 300 = 5cm/AC

Or 1/2 = 5cm /AC (using table, Sin 300 =1/2).

Or AC = 10 cm.

Trigonometric Ratios of Complimentary Angles

Two angles are said to be complementary if their sum equals 900

sin (90° – A) = cos A,

cos (90° – A) = sin A,

tan (90° – A) = cot A,

cot (90° – A) = tan A,

sec (90° – A) = cosec A,

cosec (90° – A) = sec A,

Memory tip:

sin ècos… and cos è sin… !!!! tan è cot …. And cot è tan.

For proof, refer ExamFear video lessons

Numerical: Evaluate tan 65°/ cot 25°

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Class 10 Mathematics | Introduction to Trigonometry | Notes

cot A = tan (90° – A)

So, cot 25° = tan (90° – 25°) = tan 65°

Thus tan 65°/ cot 25° = tan 65°/ tan 65° = 1

Trigonometric Identities

sin2 A + cos2 A = 1,

sec2 A – tan2 A = 1 for 0° ≤ A < 90°,

cosec2 A = 1 + cot2 A for 0° < A ≤ 90°.

For proof, refer ExamFear video lessons

Numerical: Express the ratios cos A, tan A and sec A in terms of sin A.

Solution: cos2 A + sin2 A = 1,

Or cos2 A = 1 – sin2 A, i.e., cos A = ±√ 1 − sin2 A

or cos A = √1 − sin2 A (Ignoring the negative value , since sin A is positive, Cos A will
also be positive.)

tan A = sin A/cos A = sin A/√1 − sin2 A

sec A = 1/cosA = 1/√1 − sin2 A

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