Module 3 - Trigonometry
Module 3 - Trigonometry
LEARNING
MODULE 3
√
1+ −3
Trigonometry ρ :=
2
® Module Description
In the previous lesson on ”Relations and functions” we defined and looked at examples of
functions. Some of the most important functions with wide applications in engineering, com-
puting, finance e.t.c. are trigonometric functions. Trigonometric functions are used to model
many phenomena, including sound waves, vibrations of strings, alternating electrical current,
and the motion of pendulums, motion of objects, population dynamics. In fact, almost any
repetitive, or cyclical, motion can be modeled by some combination of trigonometric functions.
In this lesson,you will be introduced to trigonometric functions like sin(x), cos(x), tan(x) from
the right angled triangle their use in calculating angles and lengths. You will then be in-
troduced to trigonometric identities and their applications in solving trigonometric equations.
Lastly, you will learn about graphs and periods of trigonometric functions, and shifted graphs
of sine and cosine functions.
In this module, you will be introduced to the following concepts:
• trigonometric functions from a right angled triangle,
• Calculation of angles and lengths using trigonometric functions,
• trigonometric identities and their applications,
• solving equations involving trigonometric functions,
• graphs of trigonometric functions,
• shifted trigonometric functions and their graphs.
Expectations
Page 1 of 21
LEARNING MODULE 3 MAT 111 -
WARM UP
1. Computational questions
Given the right angled triangle below
B
β
a
c
α
C A
b
(a) if a = 25 and b = 7 give the values of
(c) Suppose sin(α) = cos(β) = 0.8, what are the possible integer values for a, b, c?
2. True or False
The following statements are either TRUE or FALSE. Identify which are true and which
are false.
(a) sin(x)2 + cos(x)2 = 1,
(b) sin(2x) = 2 sin(x),
(c) cos(2x) = cos(x)2 − sin(x)2 ,
sin(x)
(d) tan(x) = .
cos(x)
RECAP
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LEARNING MODULE 3 MAT 111 -
In the previous lesson on ”Relations and functions” we defined and looked at examples of
functions. A function has a domain, and a range of output values. Trigonometric functions are
some of the most common functions studied and they are in general not injective nor surjective,
but periodic. For example if n ∈ Z is an integer,
sin(−θ) = − sin(θ).
On the other hand, a function f(x) is said to be an even function if f(−x) = f(x). As an
example
sin(−θ) = − sin(θ).
Even functions are symmetric about the y-axis.
sin(x) cos(x)
−2π −π π 2π
−1
See the graph of cos(x) in blue below and its symmetry about the y-axis.
sin(θ)
Since tan(θ) = is the ratio of an odd function and an odd function, it is an odd function.
cos(θ)
Page 3 of 21
LEARNING MODULE 3 MAT 111 -
Trigonometry means “measurement of triangles.” Consider its parts: tri means “three,” gon
means “angle,” and metry means “measure.” Thus, in trigonometry we study the measure-
ment of triangles. The following ratios relate the sides and acute angles of a right triangle:
B
β
a
c
α
C A
b
1. Tangent ratio: The tangent (abbreviated “tan”) of an acute angle equals the length of
the leg opposite the angle divided by the length of the leg adjacent to the angle. So
c b
tan(α) = and tan(β) = .
b c
2. Sine ratio: The sine (abbreviated “sin”) of an acute angle equals the length of the leg
opposite the angle divided by the length of the leg of the hypotenuse. So
c b
sin(α) = and sin(β) = .
a a
3. Cosine ratio: The cosine (abbreviated “cos”) of an acute angle equals the length of the
leg adjacent to the angle divided by the length of the hypotenuse. So
b c
cos(α) = and cos(β) = .
a a
Notice that for the right angled triangle,
1
sin(α) = cos(β), sin(β) = cos(α) and tan(α) = .
tan(β)
Page 4 of 21
LEARNING MODULE 3 MAT 111 -
π 180◦ 0 -1 0
In the table, we have presented the angles in two different forms: π radians and in degrees.
To convert x◦ into radians, we use the fact that 180◦ = π rad. So
x◦
x◦ = π rad
180◦
Similarly, to convert from yπ rad to degrees, we use the fact that 180◦ = π rad so that
180◦
yπ rad = yπ × .
π
For more reading on the three trigonometric functions and conversion of angles from degrees
to radians and vice versa, read in [2, Trigonometric functions].
Given information about one angle in a right angle triangle, and the length of one of the sides,
we can use trigonometric ratios to calculate the lengths of the other sides. For example
į Example 1:
Evaluate the lengths of the triangle shown below.
Page 5 of 21
LEARNING MODULE 3 MAT 111 -
60◦
m
20 x
C 30◦ A
y
- Solution
x
Recall that sin(30◦ ) = from which we get
20m
x = 20m × sin(30◦ ) = 10m
y
Similarly cos(30◦ ) = from which we get
20
√
y = 20m × cos(30◦ ) = 10 3m.
y
These calculations can be verified by using the ratios sin(60◦ ) =
20
x
and cos(60◦ ) = .
20
į Example 2:
1. Sighting to the top of a building, Otieno found the angle of elevation to measure
25◦ . The ground is level. The transit is 1.5 m above the ground and 70 m from
the building. Find the height of the building to the nearest meter.
2. If the angle of elevation of the sun at a certain time measures 45◦ , find to the
nearest meter the height of a tree whose shadow is 9 m long.
Page 6 of 21
LEARNING MODULE 3 MAT 111 -
- Solution
1. Let x be the part of the building above the transit. Then
x
tan(25◦ ) = This implies that x = 70 m × tan(25◦ ) =
70 m
32.64 m. The height of the building is x + 1.5 = 34.14 m and to
the nearest meter, the height is 34m.
h
2. Let h be the height of the tree. Then tan(45◦ ) = . This
◦
9m
implies that h = 9 m × tan(45 ) = 9m.
zComprehension Question 1
1. Convert the following angles to degrees;
7π π
(a) , (c) ,
4 9
5π 5π
(b) , (d) .
2 9
y 75◦
15 ft
C 15◦ A
x
4. A road is to be constructed so that it will rise 9 m for each 1500 m of horizontal
distance. Find the measure of the angle of rise to the nearest degree, and the
length of road to the nearest meter for each 1500 m of horizontal distance.
5. Standing at the top of a lighthouse 70 m high, a lighthouse keeper sighted both
an airplane and a ship directly beneath the plane. The angle of elevation of the
plane measured 25◦ the angle of depression of the ship measured 32◦ . Find
(a) the distance d of the boat from the foot of the lighthouse,
(b) the height of the plane above the water.
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LEARNING MODULE 3 MAT 111 -
C θ A
y
In the triangle above, we can write x = z·sin(θ) and y = z·cos(θ) . Applying the Pythagoras
theorem for right angled triangles
x2 + y2 = z2 ,
we obtain
(z · sin(θ))2 + (z · cos(θ))2 = z2 · (sin(θ))2 + z2 · (cos(θ))2
( )
= z2 · sin2 (θ) + cos2 (θ)
= z2
The last line follows from Pythagoras theorem. This implies that
sin2 (θ) + cos2 (θ) = 1. (1)
Dividing through equation (1) above by sin2 (θ), we obtain the identity
1 + cot2 (θ) = csc2 (θ), (2)
and dividing through equation (1) above by cos2 (θ), we obtain the identity
tan2 (θ) + 1 = sec2 (θ). (3)
Equations (1), (2) and (3) give the three Pythagoras identities for Trigonometric functions. Now
we can use these identities to give the double angle formulas for Trigonometric functions.
Page 8 of 21
LEARNING MODULE 3 MAT 111 -
These are formulas that relate the sine and cosine of a sum of two angles. They are
į Example 3:
Use the sum and difference identities to evaluate the difference of the angles and
show that part a equals part b.
(a) sin(45◦ − 30◦ ),
(b) sin(135◦ − 120◦ ),
Page 9 of 21
LEARNING MODULE 3 MAT 111 -
- Solution
(a) We will use the identity
Page 10 of 21
LEARNING MODULE 3 MAT 111 -
į Example 4:
Find the exact value of cos(75◦ ). (Hint: You may use 75◦ = 45◦ + 30◦ )
- Solution
We use the sum formula
with
The sum and difference angle formula for the tangent are a bit complicated and involve ratios.
They are given by,
tan(α) + tan(β)
tan(α + β) = , (9)
1 − tan(α) · tan(β)
tan(α) − tan(β)
tan(α − β) = . (10)
1 + tan(α) · tan(β)
Page 11 of 21
LEARNING MODULE 3 MAT 111 -
į Example 5:
( )
π π
Find the exact value of tan +
6 4
- Solution
We use the sum formula for tangents given by
tan(α) + tan(β)
tan(α + β) =
1 − tan(α) tan(β)
so that ( ) ( )
π π
( ) tan + tan
π π 6 3
tan + = ( ) ( ).
6 3 π π
1 − tan · tan
6 3
Recall from the table of the trigonometric values for angles above
( ) ( )
π 1 π
tan = √ , and tan = 1.
6 3 4
zComprehension Question 2
The exercise questions will be selected from the list below.
1. Use the sum and angle formulas to prove the cofunction identities below
( ) ( )
π π
(a) sin(θ) = cos −θ (c) csc(θ) = sec −θ
(2 ) (2 )
π π
(b) cot(θ) = tan −θ (d) sec(θ) = csc −θ
2 2
Page 12 of 21
LEARNING MODULE 3 MAT 111 -
( ) ( )
2π π π 3π
(a) tan + (c) cos +
( 3 4) (3 4)
2π π π π
(b) cot + (d) csc +
3 4 6 4
3 π 5 3π
3. Given sin(α) = , 0≤α≤ , and cos(β) = − , π≤β≤ , evaluate
5 2 13 2
(a) sin (α − β) (c) tan (α − β)
(b) sec (α + β) (d) cos (α − β)
5.
6. Use the sum difference formulas to verify the relations
(a) sin(α + β) − sin(α − β) = 2 sin(β) cos(α)
(b) cos(α − β) + cos(α + β) = 2 sin(α) sin(β)
sin(α − β)
(c) tan(α) − tan(β) =
cos(α) cos(β)
Page 13 of 21
LEARNING MODULE 3 MAT 111 -
cos(x)
sin(x)
1
1
−2π −π π 2π
−2π −π π 2π
−1
−1
−2π −π π 2π
−1
−2
−3
−4
−5
Page 14 of 21
LEARNING MODULE 3 MAT 111 -
2
sin(x) sin(3x)
sin(x)
1
2
1 −2π −π π 2π
−1
−2π −π π 2π
−2
−1
−2π −π π 2π
−2π −π π 2π
−1
−1
−2 1
The graph of sin(3x) + 1 in blue
1 3
This is the graph of sin(3x) compared to that 1
3 compared to that of sin(3x) in red.
of sin(3x) in red. Observe vertical shrinking of 3
Observe vertical shift of the red graph
the red graph.
1
Now compare the graphs of sin(3x) + 1 in blue compared to that of sin(x) in red.
3
Page 15 of 21
LEARNING MODULE 3 MAT 111 -
2
sin(x) 1
sin(3x) + 1
3
−2π −π π 2π
−1
−2
1
The graph of sin(3x) + 1 in blue compared to that of sin(x) in red. Observe vertical shift of
3
the red graph
zComprehension Question 3
Describe the graphs of the following functions. You are advised to use a graphing cal-
culator for this exercise.
1 1 1
1. cos(3x) + 1 2. 4 sin( x) +
3 3 2
Recall that trigonometric functions are periodic with the period 2π. This implies that on the
domain (−∞, ∞) trigonometric functions are not one to one. For example:
į Example 6:
1
Find all solutions to sin(x) = .
2
Page 16 of 21
LEARNING MODULE 3 MAT 111 -
- Solution
One way of solving for x is to use the inverse sine function. From graph-
ing calculator
( )
−1 1 π
x = sin = 0.5235990 ( or )
2 6
This reading is in radians. You can still get the reading in degrees as
( )
−1 1
x = sin = 30◦ .
2
į Example 7:
Solve the equation exactly: 2 cos(t)−3 = −5 for 0 ≤ t ≤ 2π.
- Solution
First we simplify to get cos(t) = −1. From your calculators, you should
be able to get cos−1 (−1) = π This is just 180◦ . There is exactly one
solution in the given interval.
į Example 8:
Solve for x in: 2 sin2 (t)−1 = 0 for 0 ≤ t ≤ 2π.
Page 17 of 21
LEARNING MODULE 3 MAT 111 -
- Solution
1
First we simplify the expression to get sin2 (t) = and taking square-
2
roots we obtain
1
sin(t) = ± √
2
√
2
= ± .
2
π 3π 5π 7π
So t = , , , .
4 4 4 4
zComprehension Question 4
Attempt all the problems below for your practice
1. Read pages [3, Section 9] on Trigonometric functions, identities, graphs and solving
trigonometric equations.
2. Read pages [4, Chapter 8, P. 154 - 163] on trigonometric functions and calculations of
problems involving angles of depression and angles of elevation.
Å • Double angle
[Link]
• Solving
identities
trigonometric
and formulas
equations
[Link]
• Graphing trigonometric functions [Link]
RwPBWS8g
Page 18 of 21
LEARNING MODULE 3 MAT 111 -
ACTIVITIES
WRAP UP
TAKE HOME
Hello again, you are now at the last part of this mod-
ule. Your task is to do a self-reflection on your learn-
ing experience.
Trigonometric functions appear in many aspects of life especially in engineering when study-
ing waves and vibrations, oscillatory motions, in modeling the behavior and motion of ob-
jects in space among other many applications. In this module, you have been introduced to
some basic concepts on trigonometry. You will realize that there are many identities involving
trigonometric functions, and these can easily be verified using some of the basic identities you
have learned. Keep on attempting as many exercises as possible to master the basic concepts
and to familiarize yourself with situations in which trigonometric functions are used.
Page 19 of 21
DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION
Can you share instances where you would use concepts on trigonometric functions to solve
real situational problems. You can use diagrams to explain your ideas.
Assessment
Page 20 of 21
LEARNING MODULE 3 MAT 111 -
References
[1] S. Lipschutz and M. Lipson, 2021, Schaum’s Outline of Discrete Mathematics, Fourth Edi-
tion (Schaum’s Outlines) 4th Edition, McGraw Hill, ISBN-13: 978-1264258802
[2] Edwin “Jed” Herman, Gilbert Strang, Trigonometric Functions. (2022, August 1). Libre
Texts. [Link]
[3] Open Stax. Trigonometric Identities and Equations. (2022, May 2). Libre Texts.
[Link]
[4] Rich, B. and Thomas, C., 2017, Schaum’s Outline of Geometry, Sixth Edition, McGraw-Hill
Education. ISBN-9781260010572.
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