Acute Angles
and Right
Triangle
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Addison-Wesley 2.2-1
Finding Trigonometric Function
Values Using a Calculator
Finding Function Values Using a Calculator ▪ Finding Angle
Measures Using a Calculator
2.2-2
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Caution
When evaluating trigonometric
functions of angles given in degrees,
remember that the calculator must
be set in degree mode.
2.2-3
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Addison-Wesley
Example 1 FINDING FUNCTION VALUES WITH A
CALCULATOR
Approximate the value of each expression.
(a) sin 49°12′ ≈ .75699506
(b) sec 97.977°
Calculators do not have a secant
key, so first find cos 97.977° and
then take the reciprocal.
sec 97.977° ≈ –.75699506
2.2-4
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Example 1 FINDING FUNCTION VALUES WITH A
CALCULATOR (continued)
Approximate the value of each expression.
(c)
Use the reciprocal identity
(d) sin (–246°) ≈ –.91354546
2.2-5
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Example 2 USING INVERSE TRIGONOMETRIC
FUNCTIONS TO FIND ANGLES
Use a calculator to find an angle θ in the interval
[0°, 90°] that satisfies each condition.
(a)
Use degree mode and the
inverse sine function.
(b)
Use the identity
2.2-6
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Addison-Wesley
Caution
Note that the reciprocal is used
before the inverse trigonometric
function key when finding the angle,
but after the trigonometric function
key when finding the trigonometric
function value.
2.2-7
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Addison-Wesley
Example 3 FINDING GRADE RESISTANCE
The force F in pounds when an automobile travels
uphill or downhill on a highway is called grade
resistance and is modeled by the equation
F = W sin θ, where θ is the grade and W is the weight
of the automobile.
If the automobile is moving uphill, then θ > 0°; if it is
moving downhill, then θ < 0°.
2.2-8
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Addison-Wesley
Example 3 FINDING GRADE RESISTANCE (cont.)
(a) Calculate F to the nearest 10 pounds for a 2500-lb
car traveling an uphill grade with θ = 2.5°.
(b) Calculate F to the nearest 10 pounds for a 5000-lb
truck traveling a downhill grade with θ = –6.1°.
2.2-9
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Addison-Wesley
Example 3 FINDING GRADE RESISTANCE (cont.)
(c) Calculate F for θ = 0° and θ = 90°.
If θ = 0°, then the road is level and gravity does not
cause the vehicle to roll.
If θ = 90°, then the road is vertical and the full weight of
the vehicle would be pulled downward by gravity.
2.2-10
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