UNIT 3

TRIGONOMETRY
3.1 Introduction
Trigonometry (from Greek trignon "triangle" + metron "measure") is a branch
of mathematics that deals with triangles, particularly triangles in a plane where
one angle of the triangle is 90 degrees (right angled triangles). It specifically deals
with the relationships between the sides and the angles of triangles; the
trigonometric functions, and calculations based upon them. The insights of
trigonometry permeate other branches of geometry, such as the study of spheres
using spherical trigonometry.
Trigonometry has important applications in many branches of pure mathematics
as well as of applied mathematics and, consequently remains applicable in natural
sciences. Trigonometry is usually taught in secondary schools, often in a
precalculus course.
Objectives
At the end of the topic, you will be able to:
Determine the values of trigonometric ratios for any acute angle.
Verify trigonometric identities.
Learn what a (trigonometric) identity is and how to solve trigonometric
equations.
Learn and memorize the basic identities involving sine and cosine that are
result of the definitions of tangent, cotangent, secant, and cosecant.
Learn the sine and cosine of the negative of an angle measure.
69
3.2 Trigonometric ratio
Figure 3.1
In a right-angled triangle as shown in Figure 3.1,
(a) the hypotenuse is the side opposite to the right angle,
(b) the opposite side of the angle is the side opposite to the angle ,
(c) the adjacent side of the angle is the side beside the angle .
We define the trigonometric ratios as:
sine of angle as
AB
AC
hypotenuse
opposite

- this ratio is denoted by

sin
.
cosine of angle as
AB
BC
hypotenuse
adjacent

- this ratio is denoted by

cos
.
tangent of angle as
BC
AC
adjacent
opposite

- this ratio is denoted by

tan
.
Example 3.1

opposite side
adjacent side
hypotenuse
B
A
C
70
From the figure below, find the values of
sin , cos
and tan .
Figure 3.2
Solution:
Given
.
17
8
hypotenuse
adjacent
cos
PR
PQ

To find the values of

sin
and tan , we use Pythagoras Theorem,
225
8 17
2 2
2 2 2
2 2 2

+
PQ PR RQ
PQ RQ PR
15
225

RQ
Therefore,
17
15
hypotenuse
opposite
sin
PR
RQ

Therefore,
8
15
adjacent
opposite
tan
PQ
RQ

.
Example 3.2
Given that
25
24
sin
, calculate the values of
cos
and
tan
.
71

8
17
P
R
Q
Solution:
Figure 3.3
To find the values of
cos
and tan , we use Pythagoras Theorem,
49
24 25
2 2
2 2 2
2 2 2

+
RQ PR PQ
PQ RQ PR
7
49

PQ
Therefore,
25
7
hypotenuse
adjacent
cos
PR
PQ

Therefore,
7
24
adjacent
opposite
tan
PQ
RQ

.
Example 3.3
Find the length of the side labeled z in each of the triangles below, given
3
1
cos
.
72

24
25
P
R
Q

z
9 cm
Figure 3.4
Solution:
. cm 3
cm 9
3
1
cm 9 3
1
hypotenuse
adjacent
cos

z
z

Example 3.4
Find the length of the side labeled y in each of the triangles below, given
8
5
sin
.
Figure 3.5
Solution:
73

y
17.5 cm
. cm 28
cm 5 . 17
5
8
8
5
cm 5 . 17
cm 5 . 17
8
5
hypotenuse
opposite
sin

y
y

Example 3.5
Find the length of the side labeled x in each of the triangles below and calculate
the value of
tan
. Given that
5
3
sin
Figure 3.6
Solution:
To find the length of the side labeled x, we use Pythagoras Theorem,
16 9 25
3 5
2 2
2 2 2
2 2 2



+
RQ PR PQ
PQ RQ PR
cm 4
16

x
PQ
4
3
adjacent
opposite
tan
PQ
RQ

.
Example 3.6
74

x
3 cm
5 cm
P
Q
R
x
17 cm
8 cm
P R Q
y
S
Figure 3.7
In the diagram, PQR is a straight line. Given that
5
3
cos x
and
17
15
cos y
, find
the length of QR.
Solution:
To find the length of the PR, we use Pythagoras Theorem,
225 64 289
8 17
2 2
2 2 2
2 2 2



+
SP SR PR
PR SP SR
cm 15
225

PR
. cm
3
40
3
5
cm 8
5
3
cm 8
cm 8
5
3
hypotenuse
adjacent
cos

SQ
SQ SQ
SP
x
To find the length of the PQ, we use Pythagoras Theorem,
9
1024
64
9
1600
8
3
40
2
2
2 2 2
2 2 2



+
SP SQ PQ
PQ SP SQ
75
. cm
3
32
9
1024

PQ
So that, to find the length of the QR, we use
PQ PR

cm.
3
13
cm
3
32
cm 15

PQ PR QR
Practice 3.1
In the diagram, PQR and SRT are straight lines. Given that
5
4
sin x
and
1 tan y
,
the length of SRT, in cm is
Solution
( )
( )
. cm 4
cm 5
5
4
hypotenuse
opposite
sin

SR
SR
x
To find the length of the QR, we use Pythagoras Theorem,
( ) ( )
( )
9 16 25
5
2
2 2 2
2



+
SR QS QR
QS
( )
cm 3
QR
So that, to find the length of the PQR, we use
QR PQ +

76
( ) ( )
( )
cm. 5
cm 3

+
+ PQR
Then, find the length of the RT
( ) cm 5 1
cm. 5
1
adjacent
opposite
tan


RT
RT
PR
RT
y
Finally, to find the length of the SRT , we use RT SR +
( ) ( )
( )
cm. 9
cm 4

+
+ SRT
3.2.1 Converting the Units of Measurement of Angles.
Angles are measured in the units of degrees
( )
and minutes
( ) '
. The
relationship between degrees and minutes is shown below
Example 3.7
Convert 4 . 21 into degrees and minutes.
Solution:
( )
. 24 21
24 21
60 4 . 0 21
4 . 0 21 4 . 21
'
'
'

+
+
+
Example 3.8
Convert
'
6 32 into degrees.
77

,
_

60
1
1
' 60 1
'
Solution:
. 1 . 32
1 . 0 32
60
1
6 32
6 32 6 32
'
' '

+
1
]
1

,
_

+
+
Practice 3.2
1. Convert the unit of the following angles into degrees and minutes.
(a) 9 . 19
Solution
( ) ( )
( ) [ ]
( ) ( )
'
54 19
'
9 . 0 19
9 . 19

+
+
+
2. Convert the unit of the following angles into degrees.
(a)
'
48 77
Solution
( ) ( )
( ) ( )

+
1
]
1

,
_

+
+
8 . 77
60
1
48 77
48 77
'
' '
2.2.5 Finding the Values of Tangent, Sine and Cosine of
60 and 45 , 30
without Using a Scientific Calculator.
Angles
60 and 45 , 30
are special angles. To find the values of tangent, sine
and cosine of
60 and 45 , 30
, use the following equilateral triangle to help
you.
78
Figure 3.8 Figure 3.9
From the triangles in Figure above, the table below is obtained
Table 3.1
Example 3.9
Without using a scientific calculator (by using Figure 3.8 and Figure 3.9), find the
values of
(a)
30 tan
. (b)
45 sin
. (c)
60 cos
.
(d)
45 tan
. (e)
30 sin
. (f)
60 sin
.
Solution:
(a) From the Figure 3.8,
3
1
adjacent
opposite
30 tan

(b) From the Figure 3.9,
2
1
hypotenuse
opposite
45 sin
(c) From the Figure 3.8,
2
1
hypotenuse
adjacent
60 cos
(d) From the Figure 3.9,
1
1
1
adjacent
opposite
45 tan
(e) From the Figure 3.8,
2
1
hypotenuse
opposite
30 sin
30 45 60
Tan
3
1
1 3
Sin
2
1
2
1
2
3
Cos
2
3
2
1
2
1
79
60
3
2
1
30
45
1 2
1
45
(f) From the Figure 3.8,
2
3
hypotenuse
opposite
60 sin
Practice 3.3
By using Figure 3.8 and Figure 3.9, fill in the blank to find the values of
(a)
60 tan
. (b)
45 cos
. (c)
30 cos
.
Solution
(a) From the Figure 3.8,
( )
( )
3
adjacent
60 tan

(b) From the Figure 3.9,
( )
( )

hypotenuse
adjacent
45 cos
(c) From the Figure 3.8,
( )
( )
2
adjacent
30 cos
2.3.5 Finding the Values of Tangent, Sine and Cosine Using a
Scientific Calculator.
Example 3.10
By using a scientific calculator, find the values of
(a)
27 tan
(b)
2 . 52 sin
(c)
'
42 70 cos
Solution:
(a) Press 27
Screen display :
510 . 0 27 tan
(in 3 decimal places)
(b) Press
2 . 52

Screen display :
80
tan 27
0.509525449
make sure that the mode
used is the Degree
Mode. Press MODE
MODE MODE MODE
1 to set the calculator to
the Degree Mode.
make sure that the mode
used is the Degree
Mode. Press MODE
MODE MODE MODE
1 to set the calculator to
the Degree Mode.
sin 52.2
0.790155012
, , ,

, , ,

, , ,

, , ,

0.330514392
790 . 0 2 . 52 sin
(in 3 decimal places)
(c) Press
70
42
Screen display :
331 . 0 ' 42 70 cos
(in 3 decimal places)
Practice 3.4
By using a scientific calculator, find the values of
(a)
80 cos
. (b)
1 . 35 tan
. (c)
'
32 71 cos .
Solution
(a)
80 cos
.
(b)
1 . 35 tan
.
(c)
'
32 71 cos .
3.4 Finding the Angles Using a Scientific Calculator.
Example 3.11
Find the value of in each of the following cases.
(a)
4
3
tan
. (b)
8 . 0 sin
. (c)
2677 . 0 cos
.
Solution:
(a)
Press 3 4
81
SHIFT
a b/c
3 4
36.86989765
Press after the answer in
degrees to display the angle in
degrees and minutes.
Screen display :
870 . 36 (in 3 decimal places) in degrees
'
52 36 in degrees and minutes
(b)
8 . 0 sin
. 7 53
130 . 53
'

(c)
2677 . 0 cos
. 28 74
473 . 74
'

Practice 3.5
Find the value of for
7065 . 0 sin
by using a scientific calculator.
Solution
7065 . 0 sin

7065 . 0 sin
1

2.4.5 Reciprocal ratios
In addition to the three trigonometrically ratios there are three reciprocal ratios,
namely:
82
.
sin
cos
tan
1
cot
,
cos
1
sec
,
sin
1
cos

ec
(in 3 decimal places) in degrees.
in degrees and minutes.
The values of these for a given angle can also be found using a calculator by
finding the appropriate trigonometric ratio and then pressing the reciprocal key (If
63 cot
, press 1/
63 tan
in your calculator).
Example 3.12
By using a scientific calculator, find the values of
(a)
12 cot
(b)
37 sec
(c)
71 cos ec
Solution:
(a)
705 . 4
12 tan
1
12 cot

(b)
252 . 1
37 cos
1
37 sec

(c)
058 . 1
71 sin
1
71 cos

ec
(in 3 decimal places).
Example 3.13
Without using a scientific calculator (by using Figure 3.8 and Figure 3.9), find the
values of
(a)
45 sec
(b)
30 cot
(c)
60 cosec
Solution:
(a)
2
2
1
1
45 cos
1
45 sec

,
_

83
(b)
3
3
1
1
30 tan
1
30 cot

,
_

(c)
3
2
2
3
1
60 sin
1
60 cos

,
_

ec
Practice 3.6
1. Without using a scientific calculator (by using Figure 3.8 and Figure 3.9), fill in
the following brackets.
(a)
60 cot
. (b)
30 sec
. (c)
45 cos ec
.
Solution
(a)
( ) ( )
3
1 1 1
60 cot
(b)
( ) ( )
3
2 1 1
30 sec

(c)
( ) ( )
2
1 1
45 cos ec
3.3 Trigonometric Equation
3.3.1 Positive and Negative Angles
Positive angle is an angle measured in the anticlockwise direction from the
positive x-axis as shown in the circular diagram.
Figure 3.10
Negative angle is an angle measured in the clockwise direction from the positive
x-axis as shown in the circular diagram.
84
x
y
0
+
Figure 3.11
The triangle moves all round the circle so we can measure the sine, cosine and
tangent for angles up to 360 .
Figure 3.12
Figure 3.13
x
360
0
270
180
1
-1
-1
The circle has a
radius of 1 unit.
The circle has a
radius of 1 unit.
85
x
y
0

y
90
1
x
310
0
270
180
1
-1
-1
y
1 90
P
opposite
hypotenuse
adjacent

We can read off from the graph (Figure 3.13):
) decimal 2 in ( 77 . 0 310 sin
) decimal 2 in ( 64 . 0 310 cos
) decimal 2 in ( 19 . 1 310 tan
.
The following diagram shows the signs of the trigonometric values for each
quadrant between 0 and 360 .
Figure 3.14
86
0
90
270
180
1
st
Quadrant
All are positive
2
nd
Quadrant
Only sin is positive
3
rd
Quadrant
Only tan is positive
4
th
Quadrant
Only cos is positive
87
0
90
270
180
1
st
Quadrant 2
nd
Quadrant
3
rd
Quadrant 4
th
Quadrant
180

180

180

180
360

360
Figure 3.15
Example 3.14
Represent each of the following angles using a circular diagram and state the
quadrant where the angle is in.
(a) 500 (b)

9
22
radians
(c) 505 (d)

9
2

radians
Solution:
(a) The positive angle of 500 is represented by the following circular
diagram (Figure 3.16).
Figure 3.16
+ 140 360 500
Based on the above circular diagram (Figure 3.16), the positive angle of
500 is in the second quadrant.
88
x
y
140
(b) The positive angle of

9
22
radians is represented by the following
circular diagram (Figure 3.17).
Figure 3.17
+
,
_

+ 80 360 rad
9
4
2 rad
9
22

Based on the above circular diagram (Figure 3.17), the positive angle of

9
22
radians is in the first quadrant.
(c) The negative angle of 505 is represented by the following circular
diagram (Figure 3.18).
89
x
y
rad
rad
x
505
y
145
Figure 3.18
145 360 505
Based on the above circular diagram (Figure 3.18), the negative angle of
505 is in the third quadrant.
(d) The negative angle of

9
2
radians is represented by the following
circular diagram (Figure 3.19).
Figure 3.19
0 4 rad
9
2
rad
9
2

Based on the above circular diagram (Figure 3.19), the negative angle of

9
2
radians is in the fourth quadrant.
Practice 3.7
90
x
y
rad
Represent each of the following angles using a circular diagram and state the quadrant
where the angle is in.
(a) 595 (b) 870
(c)

4
15
radians (d)

6
11

radians
(a) (b)
(c) (d)
3.3.2 Radian Measure
An alternative unit of measure of an angle is the radian. If a straight line of length
r rotates about one end so that the other end describes an arc of length r, the line is
said to have rotated through 1 radian = 1 rad.
91
x
x
y y
x
x
y
x
y
Figure 3.20
Because the are described when the line rotates through a full angle is the
circumference of a circle which measures
r 2
, the number of radians in a full
angle is 2 rad. Consequently, relating degrees to radians we see that:
To convert from degrees to radians, divide by 360 and multiply by 2 times pi (

). To convert from radians to degrees, divide by 2 times pi (

) and multiply
by 360 .
Example 3.15
Write
(a) 30 (b) 225
in radians.
Solution:
(a)
6 6
1
360
2 30

(b)
4
5
4
5
360
2 225

You should be able to memorize some standard conversions like below:
0 30 45 60 90 120 150 180 225 270 330 360
92
r
r
r
1 radian
rad 0.0175 1 that So
rad .... 2831 . 6
rad 2 360

0
6

3
2
6
5
4
5
2
3
6
11 2
Table 3.2
Example 3.16
Convert
6
11
radians to degrees.
Solution

,
_

330
2
360
6
11

.
Practice 3.8
1. Convert
4
5
radians to degrees.
Solution
[ ]
[ ]

,
_

225
4
5
.
2. Match the degrees below with the suitable radians.
93

3.3.3 Trigonometric Functions of Any Angle
Example 3.17
Given that
5 . 0 150 sin
and
866 . 0 150 cos
, find the values of
(a)
150 sec
(b)
150 cot
Solution:
(a)
Trigonometric Functions Reason

150 cos
1
150 sec

cos
1
sec
866 . 0
1

Based on Figure 3.14, the positive angle of

150 is in the second quadrant.
From Figure 3.15,
2
nd
Quadrant
< < 180 90
Only sin is positive
0.866 0 1 cos 5
got from the given
value of cosine of 0 15 .
Degrees
0
30
45
60
90
120
150
180
Radians

6
5

3
2
94
155 . 1
(b)
Trigonometric Functions Reason

150 sin
150 cos
150 tan
1
150 cot

sin
cos
cos
sin
1
tan
1
cot

,
_

5 . 0
866 . 0

732 . 1
Based on Figure 3.14, the positive angle of
150 is in the second quadrant.
From Figure 3.15,
2
nd
Quadrant
< < 180 90
Only sin is positive
0.866 0 1 cos 5
and
0.5 0 1 sin 5
got from the given values of cosine and
sine of 0 15 .
Example 3.18
Using the values of the trigonometric ratios of the angles
45 , 30
and 60 ,
find the value of each of the following trigonometric functions. State your answers
in terms of surds (square roots).
(a)
150 tan
(b)
240 cos ec
(c)
315 cot
Solution:
(a)
Trigonometric Functions Reason

150 cos
150 sin
150 tan

cos
sin
tan

30 cos
30 sin
Based on Figure 3.14, the positive angle of
150 is in the second quadrant.
From Figure 3.15,
2
nd
Quadrant
< < 180 90
Only sin is positive

( )
( )
( )
( )



180 cos cos
30 sin 150 sin
150 180 sin 150 sin
180 sin sin

( )
( )

30 cos 150 cos
150 180 cos 150 cos
95
( ) 2 / 3
2 / 1

To find the values of sine and cosine of

30 , use Figure 3.8
3
1

Or
Trigonometric Functions Reason
30 tan 150 tan
Based on Figure 3.14, the positive angle of
150 is in the second quadrant.
From Figure 3.15,
2
nd
Quadrant
< < 180 90
Only sin is positive

( ) 180 tan tan

( )
( )

30 tan 150 tan
150 180 tan 150 tan
3
1

To find the values of tangent of 30 , use
Figure 3.8
(b)
Trigonometric Functions Reason

240 sin
1
240 cos ec

sin
1
cos ec

60 sin
1
Based on Figure 3.14, the positive angle of
240 is in the third quadrant.
From Figure 3.15,
3
rd
Quadrant
< < 270 180
Only tan is positive

( )
( )
( )


60 sin 240 sin
180 240 sin 240 sin
180 sin sin
( ) 2 / 3
1

To find the values of sine of 60 , use

Figure 3.8
3
2

(c)
Trigonometric Functions Reason
96

315 tan
1
315 cot

tan
1
cot

45 tan
1
Based on Figure 3.14, the positive angle of
315 is in the fourth quadrant.
From Figure 3.15,
4
th
Quadrant
< < 360 270
Only cos is positive

( ) 360 tan tan

( )
( )

45 tan 315 tan
315 360 tan 315 tan
1
1
1
1

,
_

To find the values of tangent of 45 , use
Figure 3.9
Or
Trigonometric Functions Reason

315 sin
315 cos
315 tan
1
315 cot

sin
cos
cos
sin
1
tan
1
cot

,
_

45 sin
45 cos
Based on Figure 3.14, the positive angle of
315 is in the fourth quadrant.
From Figure 3.15,
4
th
Quadrant
< < 360 270
Only cos is positive

( )
( )
( )
( ) 360 cos cos



45 sin 315 sin
315 360 sin 315 sin
360 sin sin


( )
( )

45 cos 315 cos
315 360 cos 315 cos
( )
1
2 / 1
2 / 1

To find the values of sine and cosine of

45 , use Figure 3.9
Example 3.19
Express each of the following trigonometric functions in terms of the
trigonometric ratios of acute angles. Hence, find each value using a calculator.
97
(a)
155 sec
(b)
,
_

6
13
cosec
Solution:
(a)
Trigonometric Functions Reason

155 cos
1
155 sec

cos
1
sec

25 cos
1
Based on Figure 3.14, the positive angle of
155 is in the second quadrant.
From Figure 3.15,
2
nd
Quadrant
< < 180 90
Only sin is positive

( ) 180 cos cos

( )
( )

25 cos 155 cos
155 180 cos 155 cos
906 . 0
1

To find the values of cosine of 25 , use

calculator.
104 . 1
(b)
Trigonometric Functions Reason
( )
,
_

390 cos
6
13
cos ec ec
,
_

,
_

180
6
13
cos
6
13
cos ec ec
( )
( )

390 sin
1
390 cos ec

sin
1
cos ec
( ) ( )

390 sin
1
390 sin
1
The formula
( ) ( ) sin sin
is used.
( )

30 sin
1
5 . 0
1

To find the values of sine of 30 , use

calculator.
2
Practice 3.9
98
1. Using the values of the trigonometric ratios of the angles
45 , 30
and 60 ,
find the value of each of the following trigonometric functions. State your answers
in terms of surds (square roots).
(a)
240 sec
(b)
240 tan
Solution
(a)
Trigonometric Functions Reason
240 sec

cos
1
sec

Based on Figure 3.14, the positive angle of

240 is in the third quadrant.
From Figure 3.15,
3
rd
Quadrant
< < 270 180
Only tan is positive

( )
( )
( )


60 cos 240 cos
180 240 cos 240 cos
180 cos cos

To find the values of cosine of 60 , use

Figure 3.8
2
(b)
Trigonometric Functions Reason
240 tan
Based on Figure 3.14, the positive angle of
240 is in the third quadrant.
From Figure 3.15,
3
rd
Quadrant
< < 270 180
Only tan is positive

( )
( )
( )


60 tan 240 tan
180 240 tan 240 tan
180 tan tan

To find the values of tangent of 60 , use

Figure 3.8
3
99
2. Express the following trigonometric functions below in terms of the trigonometric
ratios of acute angles. Hence, find each value using a calculator.
260 cos ec
Solution
Trigonometric Functions Reason
260 cos ec

sin
1
cos ec

Based on Figure 3.14, the positive angle of

260 is in the third quadrant.
From Figure 3.15,
3
rd
Quadrant
< < 270 180
Only tan is positive

( )
( )
( )


80 sin 260 sin
180 260 sin 260 sin
180 sin sin

To find the values of sine of 80 , use

calculator.
015 . 1
3.3.4 Simple Trigonometric Equations
The steps to solve simple trigonometric equations are as follows:
1. Determine the quadrants the angle should be in based on the given
trigonometric equation.
2. Find the basic angle using a scientific calculator.
3. Determine the range of values of the required angles, for examples the
range of values of 2 or 3 .
4. Determine the values of angles in those quadrants.
Example 3.20
100
Find all the angles between 0 and 360 that satisfy each of the following
trigonometric equations.
(a)
5427 . 0 sin
(b)
6725 . 1 tan
(c)
7123 . 0 2 cos x
(d)
( ) 6582 . 0 10 2 sin x
Solution:
(a)
5427 . 0 sin
Basic 87 . 32
13 . 147 , 87 . 32
Reason:
5427 . 0 sin
is positive in the first and second quadrants.
(b)
6725 . 1 tan
Basic 12 . 59 (ignore the negative sign of 1.6725, when finding the
basic angle using a calculator.)
88 . 300 , 88 . 120
(c)
7123 . 0 2 cos x
Basic 58 . 44
42 . 675 , 58 . 404 , 42 . 315 , 58 . 44 2x
71 . 337 , 29 . 202 , 71 . 157 , 29 . 22 x
101
Press
0.5427
87 . 32 180
is negative in the second and fourth quadrants. foquadrants.
12 . 59 180 12 . 59 360
58 . 44 360
( ) + 58 . 44 360 360
+ 58 . 44 360
is positive in the first and fourth quadrants. foquadrants.
(d)
( ) 6582 . 0 10 2 sin x
Basic 16 . 41
84 . 678 , 16 . 581 , 84 . 318 , 16 . 221 10 2x
+ + + + 10 84 . 678 , 10 16 . 581 , 10 84 . 318 , 10 16 . 221 2x
84 . 688 , 16 . 591 , 84 . 328 , 16 . 231 2x
42 . 344 , 58 . 295 , 42 . 164 , 58 . 115 x
Practice 3.10
Find all the angles between 0 and 360 that satisfy
9015 . 0 cos
.
Solution
9015 . 0 cos
Basic
( )
( ) ( ) ,
3.4 Trigonometric Identities
3.4.1 Graphs of the Functions of Sine, Cosine and Tangent
The sketch of the graph of y = sin x is as shown below.

102
period
+ 16 . 41 180
+ 16 . 221 360
16 . 41 360
+ 84 . 318 360
is negative in the third and fourth quadrants. foquadrants.
Graph 3.1
Based on the above Graph 3.1 of
x y sin
,
The shape of the graph of
x y sin
from 0 x to
360 x is repeated for each complete cycle. Hence, the
function
x y sin
is periodic with a period of 360 .
The maximum and minimum values of the function
x y sin
are 1 and -1 respectively.
The sketch of the graph of y = cos x is as shown below.
Graph 3.2
Based on the above Graph 3.2 of
x y cos
,
The shape of the graph of
x y cos
from 0 x to
360 x is repeated for each complete cycle. Hence, the
function
x y cos
is periodic with a period of 360 .
The maximum and minimum values of the function
x y cos
are 1 and -1 respectively.
The sketch of the graph of y = tan x is as shown below.
103
0 360 sin
1 270 sin
0 180 sin
1 90 sin
0 0 sin





period
1 360 cos
0 270 cos
1 180 cos
0 90 cos
1 0 cos





Graph 3.3
Based on the above Graph 3.3 of
x y tan
,
The shape of the graph of
x y tan
from 0 x to
180 x is repeated for each complete cycle. Hence, the
function
x y tan
is periodic with a period of . 180
The function
x y tan
does not have any maximum or
minimum values. As x approaches
630 , 450 , 270 , 90
and so on, the function
x y tan
approaches (positive or negative).


3.4.2 Basic Trigonometric Identities
Three basic trigonometric identities are:
Basic identities are also known as Pythagorean identities.
Proof for the identities 1 cos sin
2 2
+
104
period period
Asymptote
0 360 tan
270 tan
0 180 tan
90 tan
0 0 tan

t

t




2 2
2 2
2 2
cos cot 1
sec 1 tan
1 cos sin
ec +
+
+
Based on the right-angled triangle in the above diagram, using the Pythagoras
Theorem:
2 2 2
c b a +
2
2
2
2
2
2
c
c
c
b
c
a
+ (the whole equation is divided by .
2
c )
Therefore, 1 cos sin
2 2
+
Proof for the identities
2 2
sec 1 tan +
From 1 cos sin
2 2
+

2 2
2
2
2
cos
1
cos
cos
cos
sin
+
(the whole equation is divided by . cos
2
)
Therefore,
2 2
sec 1 tan +
Proof for the identities
2 2
cos cot 1 ec +
From 1 cos sin
2 2
+

2 2
2
2
2
sin
1
sin
cos
sin
sin
+
(the whole equation is divided by
2
sin )
Therefore,
2 2
cos cot 1 ec +
Example 3.21
Prove each of the following trigonometric identities.
(a) x
x
x
sin 1
sin 1
cos
2
+

.
(b) ( ) y y y y ec
2 2 2 2
cot 1 tan sec cos .
105
a

c
b
Solution:
(a)
Trigonometric Identities Reason
LHS:
x
x
sin 1
cos
2

LHS represents left-hand side

x
x
sin 1
sin 1
2

Since 1 cos sin

2 2
+ ,
Thus
2 2
sin 1 cos
( )( )
x
x x
sin 1
sin 1 sin 1

+ Factorize the numerator

( ) x sin 1+
= RHS RHS represents right-hand side
(b)
Trigonometric Identities Reason
LHS:
( ) 1 tan sec cos
2 2 2
y y y ec
LHS represents left-hand side
( ) 1 1 cos
2
y ec Since
2 2
sec 1 tan + ,
Thus 1 tan sec
2 2

1 cos
2
y ec Since
2 2
cos cot 1 ec + ,
Thus 1 cos cot
2 2
ec
y
2
cot = RHS RHS represents right-hand side
Practice 3.11
Prove the following trigonometric identities by fill in the blank.
z z z z
2 2 2 2
sin tan sin tan
Solution
Trigonometric Identities Reason
LHS:
z z
2 2
sin tan
LHS represents left-hand side
z
z
z
z
z
z
2
2
2
cos
sin
tan
cos
sin
tan

106
z
z z z
2
2 2 2
cos
cos sin sin
( )
z
z z
2
2 2
cos
cos 1 sin
Since 1 cos sin
2 2
+ ,
Thus
2 2
cos 1 sin
( ) z
z
z
2
2
2
sin
cos
sin

,
_

z z
2 2
sin tan = RHS RHS represents right-hand side
Example 3.22
Find all the angles that satisfy each of the following equations for . 360 0 x
(a)
1 cos tan 2 x x
.
(b)
0 tan sin 2 x x
.
Solution:
(a)
Trigonometric Identities Reason
1 cos tan 2 x x
-
1 cos
cos
sin
2

,
_

x
x
x
x
x
x
cos
sin
tan
1 cos
cos
sin
2

,
_

x
x
x The
x cos
cancels
1 sin 2 x
2
1
sin x
Divide by 2
. 150 , 30
2
1
sin
1

,
_

x
(b)
Trigonometric Identities Reason
0 tan sin 2 x x
-
0
cos
sin
sin 2

,
_

x
x
x
x
x
x
cos
sin
tan
107
0
cos
sin
cos
cos sin 2

,
_

,
_

x
x
x
x x Multiply through by
x cos

0 sin cos sin 2 x x x
The
x cos
cancels
( ) 0 1 cos 2 sin x x Factorize
Either
0 sin x
or

5 . 0 cos 0 1 cos 2 x x
Either one or the other factor equals zero.
( ) . 360 , 180 , 0 0 sin
1


x
or
( ) . 300 , 60 5 . 0 cos
1


x
Practice 3.12
Fill in the blank and find all the angles that satisfy the following equation for
. 360 0 x
4 cos 5 sin 2
2
+ x x
Solution
Trigonometric Identities Reason
4 cos 5 sin 2
2
+ x x -
( ) 4 cos 5 2 + x
Since 1 cos sin
2 2
+ x x
x x
2 2
cos 1 sin
( ) 4 cos 5 + x Multiply out
0 2 cos 5 cos 2
2
+ x x Set LHS = 0
( ) ( ) 0 Factorize
Either
2 cos x
(impossible) or

( ) x x cos 0 1 cos 2
Either one or the other factor equals zero.
( ) ( ) ( )

, 5 . 0 cos
1
x
108
3.5 Application of trigonometry
Marine sextants like this are used to measure the angle of the sun or stars with
respect to the horizon. Using trigonometry and a marine chronometer, the position
of the ship can then be determined from several such measurements.
There are an enormous number of applications of trigonometry and trigonometric
functions. For instance, the technique of triangulation is used in astronomy to
measure the distance to nearby stars, in geography to measure distances between
landmarks, and in satellite navigation systems. The sine and cosine functions are
fundamental to the theory of periodic functions such as those that describe sound
and light waves.
Fields which make use of trigonometry or trigonometric functions include
astronomy (especially, for locating the apparent positions of celestial objects, in
which spherical trigonometry is essential) and hence navigation (on the oceans, in
aircraft, and in space), music theory, acoustics, optics, analysis of financial
markets, electronics, probability theory, statistics, biology, medical imaging (CAT
scans and ultrasound), pharmacy, chemistry, number theory (and hence
cryptology), seismology, meteorology, oceanography, many physical sciences,
land surveying and geodesy, architecture, phonetics, economics, electrical
engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, computer graphics,
cartography, crystallography and game development.
109
Example 3.23
If the distance of a person from a tower is 100 m and the angle subtended by the
top of the tower with the ground is 30
o
, what is the height of the tower in meters?
Steps:
Draw a simple diagram to represent the problem. Label it carefully and clearly
mark out the quantities that are given and those which have to be calculated.
Denote the unknown dimension by say h if you are calculating height or by x if
you are calculating distance.
Identify which trigonometric function represents a ratio of the side about which
information is given and the side whose dimensions we have to find out. Set up
a trigonometric equation.
Substitute the value of the trigonometric function and solve the equation for the
unknown variable.
Solution:
AB = distance of the man from the tower = 100 m
BC = height of the tower = h (to be calculated)
The trigonometric function that uses AB and BC is tan A, where A = 30
o
.
So tan 30
o
= BC / AB = h / 100
Therefore height of the tower h = 100 tan 30
o
= (100)

,
_

3
1
= 57.74 m.
Example 3.24
110
Akmarul slid down a slope inclined at an angle of 15 to the ground. If the top of
the slope is at a height of 12 m from the ground, find the distance, correct to 1
decimal place, traveled by Akmarul.
Solution:
Let the distance traveled by Akmarul be x m.
2588 . 0
12
15 sin
12
12
15 sin

x
x
= 46.4 m
Hence, the distance traveled by Akmarul was 46.4 m.
Example 3.25
12 m
15
111
12 m
15
m
A tree casts a horizontal shadow 3 8 m long. If a line were to be drawn from the
end of the shadow to the top of the tree it would be inclined to the horizontal at
60 . The height of the tree is obtained as follows:
3 60 tan
shadow of length
tree of height


So that
24 3 8 3 8 3 shadow of length 3 tree of height m.
Example 3.26
You are stationed at a radar base and you observe an unidentified plane at an
altitude h = 5000 m flying towards your radar base at an angle of elevation = 30
o
.
After exactly one minute, your radar sweep reveals that the plane is now at an
angle of elevation = 60
o
maintaining the same altitude. What is the speed of the
plane?
Solution:
60
m
112
In the figure, the radar base is at point A. The plane is at point D in the first sweep
and at point E in the second sweep. The distance it covers in the one minute
interval is DE.
From the figure,
tan DAC = tan 30
o
= DC / AC = h / AC.
Similarly,
tan EAB = tan 60
o
= EB / AB = h / AB.
Distance covered by the plane in one minute = DE = AC - AB
= (h / tan 30
o
) - (h / tan 60
o
)
= (5000 3 ) - (5000 / 3 ) = 5773.50 m.
The velocity of the plane is given by V
= distance covered / time taken
= DE / 60 = 96.23 m/s.
Example 3.27
Two men on opposite sides of a TV tower of height 30 m notice the angle of
elevation of the top of this tower to be 45
o
and 60
o
respectively. Find the distance
between the two men.
Solution:
113
The situation is depicted in the figure with CD representing the tower and AB
being the distance between the two men.
For triangle ACD,
tan A = tan 60
o
= CD / AD.
Similarly for triangle BCD,
tan B = tan 45
o
= CD / DB.
The distance between the two men is
AB = AD + DB
= (CD / tan 60
o
) + (CD / tan 45
o
)
= (30 / 3 ) + (30 / 1) = 47.32 m.
EXERCISE
114
Trigonometric Ratios
1.
Based on the given figure, find h and .
2.
Based on the given figure, find the length of RQ and RS correct to 1 decimal
place.
3. By using a scientific calculator, find the value of each of the following.
(a)
12 tan
(b)
1 . 35 tan
(c)
' 56 3 sin
4. By using a scientific calculator, find the value of in degrees and minutes for
each of the following cases.
(a)
2
1
tan
(b)
3 . 0 sin
(c)
5298 . 0 cos
Trigonometric Equation
115

55
12 cm
20 cm
h
R
S
P Q
10
30
5 m
5. Represent each of the following angles using a circular diagram and state the
quadrant where the angle is in.
(a) 440 (b)

3
8
radians (c)

4
3

radians
6. Given that
3420 . 0 20 sin
and
9397 . 0 20 cos
, find the values of
(a)
20 tan
(b)
20 cot
7. Given that
8660 . 0
3
2
sin
and
5 . 0
3
2
cos
, find the values of
(a)

3
2
sec
(b)

3
2
cos ec
8. Express each of the following trigonometric functions in terms of the
trigonometric ratios of acute angles. Hence, find each value using a calculator.
(a)
235 sec
(b)
,
_

6
11
cot
(c)
488 sin
(d)
) 880 ( cos
(e)
) 672 ( tan
9. Using the values of the trigonometric ratios of the angles
45 , 30
and 60 ,
find the value of each of the following trigonometric functions. State your answers
in terms of surds (square roots).
(a)
150 cos
(b)
225 sin
(c)
240 tan
(d)
,
_

4
7
cos
(e)
,
_

3
5
cos ec
10. Find all the values of for < < 360 0 that satisfy each of the following
trigonometric equations.
(a)
6137 . 0 sin
(b)
7825 . 2 tan
(c)
7283 . 0 cos
(d)
3569 . 2 tan
11. Find all the angles between 0 and 360 that satisfy each of the following
trigonometric equations.
(a)
5293 . 0 2 sin
(b)
4673 . 0 2 cos
(c)
( ) 7402 . 0 30 tan + x
(d)
( ) 8803 . 0 35 2 sin x
12. Without using tables or a calculator, find all the angles between 0 and 360
that satisfy each of the following trigonometric equations.
(a)
67 cos sin x
(b)
42 sin cos x
116
(c)
87 cot tan x
(d)
53 cos sec ec x
(e)
42 cos sec ec x
(f)
63 cos 2 sin x
Trigonometric Identities
13. Prove each of the following trigonometric identities.
(a) x
x
x
2
2
2
sin
tan 1
tan

+
(b)
x x ec x x sec cos cot tan +
(c)
z
z z ec
z ec
2
sec
sin cos
cos

(d)


2
cos 2
cos 1
1
cos 1
1
ec

+
+
(e) z z z z
2 2 2 2
cot cos cos cot
(f)
y y
y
y
2 2
2
2
sin cos
tan 1
tan 1

+

(g)
x
x x ec
x
cos 1
cot cos
sin
+

14. Find all the angles that satisfy each of the following equations for . 360 0 x
(a)
x x cos 2 cot
(b)
x x cot tan 16
(c) 0 1 sin 2 sin 3
2
x x
(d)
1 cos sin 2 + x ec x
(e)
x x cos 1 sec 2 +
(f) ( ) x x tan 1 5 sec 3
2
+
Answers to exercise:
1. h = 8.4 cm
' 51 24
2. RQ = 6.5 m
RS = 3.3 m
3. (a) 0.213 3. (b) 0.703
3. (c) 0.069
4. (a) ' 34 26 4. (b) ' 27 17
4. (c) 58
117
6. (a) 0.364 6. (b) 2.748
7. (a) -2 7. (b) 1.155
8. (a) -1.743 8. (b) -1.732
8. (c) 0.788 8. (d) -0.940
8. (e) 1.111
9. (a)
2
3
9. (b)
2
1

9. (c) 3
9. (d)
2
1

9. (e)
3
2

10 (a)
14 . 142 , 86 . 37
10 (b)
23 . 250 , 23 . 70
10 (c)
26 . 223 , 74 . 136
10 (d)
99 . 292 , 99 . 112
11 (a)
02 . 254 , 98 . 195 , 02 . 74 , 98 . 15
11 (b)
07 . 301 , 93 . 238 , 07 . 121 , 93 . 58
11 (c)
51 . 186 , 51 . 6
11 (d)
66 . 346 , 34 . 318 , 66 . 166 , 34 . 138
12 (a)
157 , 23
12 (b)
312 , 48
12 (c)
183 , 3
12 (d)
323 , 37
12 (e)
228 , 132
12 (f)
5 . 346 , 5 . 283 , 5 . 166 , 5 . 103
14 (a)
330 , 270 , 210 , 90
14 (b)
96 . 345 , 04 . 194 , 96 . 165 , 04 . 14
14 (c)
53 . 340 , 47 . 199 , 90
14 (d)
330 , 210 , 90
14 (e)
360 , 0
14 (f)
57 . 341 , 43 . 243 , 57 . 161 , 43 . 63
Activity
1.
118
A ladder is leaned against a wall at an angle of 65 from the ground. The foot
of the ladder is 3.8 m from the foot of wall. Find
(a) the length of the ladder,
(b) the height of the ladder up the wall, correct to 1 decimal place.
2.
A crew on two yachts observe the light of a lighthouse each at an angle of
elevation of 28 and 42 as shown in the above figure. If the two yachts and
the lighthouse lie on a straight line, find the distance between the two yachts to
the nearest metres.
65
3.8 m
119
32 m
42
28
3.
An aeroplane takes off at an angle of 33 from the ground. How far will it
travel in the air to reach a height of 500 m? Given your answer to the nearest
metres.
Answer
1. (a) 9.0 m (b) 8.1 m
2. 25 m.
3. 918 m.
33
500 m
120
121