Trigonometry
Basics of Trigonometry
The content focuses on the basics of trigonometry, particularly in the context of right-
angled triangles.
Understanding Right-Angled Triangles
A right-angled triangle is defined with one angle at 90 degrees, and the sides are
categorized as hypotenuse, opposite, and adjacent based on a chosen angle.
The triangle's sides are used to define trigonometric ratios: sine (sin), cosine
(cos), and tangent (tan).
Trigonometric Ratios
Sine A is defined as the ratio of the opposite side (BC) to the hypotenuse (AC).
Cosine A is the ratio of the adjacent side (AB) to the hypotenuse (AC).
Tangent A is the ratio of the opposite side (BC) to the adjacent side (AB).
Reciprocal Relationships
The reciprocals of the trigonometric ratios are also defined: cosecant (csc),
secant (sec), and cotangent (cot).
Cosecant A is the reciprocal of sine A, secant A is the reciprocal of cosine A, and
cotangent A is the reciprocal of tangent A.
Summary of Key Concepts
The main trigonometric ratios are sine, cosine, and tangent, along with their
reciprocals: cosecant, secant, and cotangent.
These ratios are fundamental in understanding the relationships between the
angles and sides of right-angled triangles.
Basics of Trigonometry: Examples
The content focuses on understanding the basics of trigonometry through examples and
problem-solving.
Understanding Trigonometric Ratios
The example begins with secant theta equal to 13/12, leading to the identification
of triangle sides: AC = 13 (hypotenuse) and AB = 12 (adjacent).
Using the Pythagorean theorem, BC is calculated as 5, allowing for the
determination of trigonometric ratios: sin theta = 5/13, cos theta = 12/13, tan theta
= 5/12, and their reciprocals.
Evaluating Trigonometric Expressions
The second example involves evaluating an expression with various trigonometric
ratios: sine 30, tan 45, cosecant 60, secant 30, cos 60, and cos 45.
By recalling known values from trigonometric tables, the values are plugged in
and simplified to find the final result.
Application of Trigonometric Concepts
The content emphasizes the importance of basic trigonometric understanding in
solving various problems and identities in engineering mathematics.
Trigonometric Identities
The content focuses on understanding key trigonometric identities derived from the
Pythagorean theorem.
Pythagorean Identity
The relationship ( AB^2 + BC^2 = AC^2 ) leads to the identity ( \sin^2 \
Theta + \cos^2 \Theta = 1 ).
This identity is essential for expressing sine in terms of cosine and
vice versa.
Second Identity
Dividing the Pythagorean relation by ( AB^2 ) results in ( 1 + \tan^2 \
Theta = \sec^2 \Theta ).
This can be rearranged to show ( \sec^2 \Theta - \tan^2 \Theta = 1 ).
Third Identity
Dividing by ( BC^2 ) gives ( 1 + \cot^2 \Theta = \csc^2 \Theta ).
This can also be expressed as ( \csc^2 \Theta - \cos^2 \Theta = 1 ).
In summary, three important trigonometric identities are derived: 1. ( \sin^2 \Theta + \
cos^2 \Theta = 1 ) 2. ( 1 + \tan^2 \Theta = \sec^2 \Theta ) 3. ( 1 + \cos^2 \Theta = \
csc^2 \Theta )
Trigonometric Identities - Example 1
The content focuses on proving a trigonometric identity using various trigonometric
identities and relationships.
Understanding the Identity
The identity to prove is: ((\sin \theta - \cos \theta + 1) / (\sin \theta + \cos \theta - 1)
= 1 / (\sin \theta - \tan \theta)).
The left-hand side (LHS) is expressed in terms of sine and cosine, while the right-
hand side (RHS) involves secant and tangent.
Transforming the LHS
Each term in the LHS is divided by (\cos \theta) to convert it into terms of tangent
and secant.
This results in an expression that can be simplified further.
Simplifying the Expression
The numerator is manipulated by multiplying by ((\tan \theta - \sec \theta)) to
facilitate simplification.
Using the identity (1 + \tan^2 \theta = \sec^2 \theta), the expression is simplified to
show that it equals the RHS.
Conclusion
The process illustrates how to convert LHS to match RHS using trigonometric
identities, demonstrating the method for proving identities in trigonometry.
Trigonometric Identities - Example 2
The content focuses on understanding trigonometric identities through examples,
particularly how to find various trigonometric ratios when one ratio is given.
Understanding Trigonometric Ratios
Given cos θ = -3/5 in the third quadrant, we find sin θ using the identity sin² θ +
cos² θ = 1.
This leads to sin² θ = 16/25, giving sin θ = -4/5 since sine is negative in the third
quadrant.
Finding Other Ratios
With sin θ and cos θ known, we can find cosecant (csc θ = -5/3) and tangent (tan
θ = 4/3).
The quadrant information helps determine the signs of the ratios, confirming that
only tan and cot are positive in the third quadrant.
Expressing Ratios in Terms of Sine
The content also discusses expressing cos θ, tan θ, and sec θ in terms of sin θ
using trigonometric identities.
For example, cos θ can be expressed as √(1 - sin² θ), and tan θ as sin θ / √(1 -
sin² θ).
This approach emphasizes the importance of trigonometric identities and quadrant
knowledge in solving problems related to trigonometric ratios.
Applications of Trigonometry - 1
The content focuses on applying trigonometry to solve real-world problems,
particularly in determining heights and distances.
Understanding Angles
• The angle of elevation is the angle formed when observing an object above
the horizontal plane.
• The angle of depression is the angle formed when observing an object below
the horizontal plane.
Example Problem
• A tower's height is determined using the angle of elevation from a point 30
meters away, where the angle is 30 degrees.
• Using the tangent function, the height of the tower is calculated as (10\
sqrt{3}) meters.
Application of Trigonometric Ratios
• The problem illustrates the use of trigonometric relations, specifically
tangent, to find unknown heights based on given distances and angles.
• This example demonstrates the practical application of trigonometry in
engineering and real-life scenarios.
Understanding Angles of Depression
• The example involves observing two objects from the top of a tower at
angles of 45 degrees and 60 degrees.
• The height of the tower is given as 150 meters, and the goal is to find the
distance between the two objects.
Using Trigonometric Ratios
• Two right-angled triangles are formed, one for each angle of depression.
• For the 45-degree angle, the relationship derived is ( x + y = 150 ) (where ( x
) and ( y ) are distances to the objects).
Calculating Distances
• For the 60-degree angle, using the tangent function, ( y ) is calculated as ( y
= \frac{150}{\sqrt{3}} ).
• Substituting ( y ) back into the first equation allows for solving ( x ),
resulting in a distance of approximately 63.39 meters between the two objects.