Trigonometry 1: Laws,

Properties and Operation

Module 4

1
Course Contents

1. Pythagorean Theorem
2. Sine, Cosine and Tangent Operation
3. Laws of Sine and Cosine

2
Lecture 1: Pythagorean Theorem

 ILO 1: By the end of the learning experience, students must be able to:

✓ Solve for the sides of right triangles

3
 Pythagorean Theorem
 In a right triangle, the side opposite the right angle is called hypotenuse and the other
two sides are called legs. We generally use the letters a and b for the lengths of the legs
and c for the length of hypotenuse

4
Example: Find the lengths x, y and z in
the right triangles shown
a. We use the Pythagorean Theorem with
𝑎 = 20, 𝑏 = 21 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 = 𝑥
Solution: 𝑥 2 = 202 + 212 = 841; ∴ 𝑥 = 849 = 29
b. We use the Pythagorean Theorem with
𝑎 = 7, 𝑏 = 𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 = 25
Solution: 252 = 72 + 𝑦 2 ; 𝑦 2 = 252 − 72 = 576 ∴ 𝑦 = 576 = 24
c. We use the Pythagorean Theorem with
𝑎 = 𝑧, 𝑏 = 10 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐 = 12
Solution: 122 = 𝑧 2 + 102 ; 𝑧 2 = 122 − 102 = 44 ∴ 𝑧 = 44 ≈ 6.633
𝑧
5
Lecture 2: Sine, Cosine and Tangent
Operation
 ILO 2: By the end of the learning experience, students must be able to:

✓ Know the Sine, Cosine and Tangent Operation

6
The Trigonometric Ratios

An acute angle is an angle with measure greater

than 0°less than 90°

Greek letters such as α (alpha), β (beta), γ

(gamma), 𝜃 (theta) and ϕ (phi) are often used to
denote an angle.

For a right triangle with an acute angle 𝜃, the trigonometric ratios are as follows:

If we know the values of the sine, cosine, and tangent functions of an angle, we can use these
reciprocal relationships to find the values of the cosecant, secant, and cotangent functions of that angle

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Example 1: Find the six trigonometric
ratios of (a) Ө and (b) α
We use the definition:

8
 3
Example 2:If cos 𝛼 = sketch a right triangle with acute
4
,
angle 𝛼, and find the other five trigonometric ratios of 𝛼.

Solution: 𝑥
𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 3
1. cos 𝛼 = ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒 = 4 sketch the triangle:

2. Solve for the opposite side using Pythagorean theorem 𝑥 2 = 42 − 32 = 7 ∴ 𝑥 = 7

3. Hence, the trigonometric ratios are the following:
7 3 7
sin 𝛼 = , cos 𝛼 = 4 ; tan 𝛼 =
4 3

4 4 7 4 3 3 7
csc 𝛼 = 𝑜𝑟 , sec 𝛼 = ; cot 𝛼 = 𝑜𝑟
7 7 3 7 7

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 6
Example 3: If sin 𝛽 = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛽 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑐𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒, find the
7
other five trigonometric ratios

Solution:
𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 6
1. sin 𝛽 = ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒 = 7 sketch the triangle: 𝑏

2. Solve for the adjacent side using Pythagorean theorem 𝑏 2 = 72 − 62 = 13 ∴ 𝑥 = 13

3. Hence, the trigonometric ratios are the following:
6 13 6 6 13
sin 𝛽 = 7 , cos 𝛽 = ; tan 𝛽 = 𝑜𝑟
7 13 13

7 7 4 13 13
csc 𝛽 = , sec 𝛽 = 𝑜𝑟 ; cot 𝛽 =
6 13 13 6

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 Solving Right Triangle given One angle and One Side

Example 4: Solve the triangle given

Solution:
1. We know 𝐵 = 58° since 𝐴 + 𝐵 = 90° . We can find length b
using the tangent function
𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 24
tan 32° = =
𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑏
24
Solving for side b: b = ≈ 38.41𝑚𝑚
tan 32°
2. We can find c by simply applying the Pythagorean Theorem or by using
another trig ratio and a known angle.
24 24
Solving for side c: sin 32° = ; 𝑐= ≈ 45.29 𝑚𝑚
𝑐 sin 32°

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 Solving Right Triangle given Two Sides

Example 5: Solve the triangle given

Solution:
𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 17
1. We will use tan 𝛼 = =
𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 25

−1 17
We find 𝛼 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛 ≈ 34.2°
25
2. Since 𝛼 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛽 are compliments, 𝛽 = 90 − 34.2 = 55.8°
3. By Pythagorean theorem, we can find side c
𝑐 2 = 𝑎2 +𝑏 2 = 172 +252 ≈30.23

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Special Trigonometric Ratios

❖ The trigonometric functions have the

following values at the special values
of 𝜃
❖ It’s useful to remember these special
trigonometric ratios because they
occur often and can be recalled easily

13
 Solving Right Triangle given One angle and One Side

Example 1: Solve the triangle given

Solution:
𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 17.9
1. sin 30° = ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠 = 𝑐
17.9 1
2. Solving for side c: c = sin 30° ; 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑛 30° = 2
17.9
Hence, c= 1 ; 𝑐 = 2 17.9 = 35.8 (hypotenuse is twice the shorter side)
2

3. Solving for side b:

𝑏 𝑏 3
sin 60° = = ; 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑛 60° =
𝑐 35.8 2
3 𝑏 3 (35.8)
Hence, = ; 𝑏= ≈ 31
2 35.8 2

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 Solving Right Triangle given One angle and One Side
Example 2: Solve the triangle given

Solution:
1. It is clear that 𝐵 = 60°
𝑎 1
2. Solving for side a: sin 30° = 12 ; 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑛 30° = 2
1 𝑎 12
Hence, = ; 𝑎= =6
2 12 2

3. Solving for side b:

𝑏 3
cos 30° = = 𝑏 cos 30° ; 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑛 30° =
12 2
3 𝑏 3 (12)
Hence, = 12 ; 𝑏= =6 3
2 2
6
b ≈ 10.39
= 10.39
12
15
 Application Using Angle of
Elevation/Depression

Angle of Elevation is defined to be the acute angle formed by a horizontal line of orientation
(parallel to level ground) and the line of sight

An angle of depression is likewise defined but involves a line of sight that is below the
horizontal line of orientation

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 Finding the Height of the Tree
Example 1: A giant redwood tree casts a shadow 532 𝑓𝑡 long. Find the height of
the tree if the angle of elevation of the sun is 25.7°
Solution:
Let the height of the tree be h

𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒
We will use tan 25.7° = 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡
ℎ
tan 25.7° =
532

h = 532 tan 25.7° ≈ 256 ft

Hence: The height of the tree is about 256 ft

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Example 2: From a point on the ground 500 ft from the base of a building, an
observer finds that the angle of elevation to the top of the building is 24° and that
the angle of elevation to the top of a flagpole atop the building is 27°. Find the
height of the building and the length of the flagpole.

Solution:
𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒
a. We can find the height of the building, by using the trig ratio tan 24° = 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡
ℎ
tan 24° = 500 ; ℎ = 500 tan 24° ≈ 223 𝑓𝑡

b. We need to find k before solving for flagpole,

𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑘
by using the trig ratio tan 27° = 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 500 𝑘 = 500 tan 27° ≈ 255 𝑓𝑡

c. To find the length of the flagpole, we subtract h from k. So the length of the pole is
approximately : 255-223 = 32 ft
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Example 3: From his hotel room window on the sixth floor, Singh notices some window
washers high above him on the hotel across the street. Curious as to their height above
ground, he quickly estimates the buildings are 50 ft apart, the angle of elevation to the
workers is about 80°, and the angle of depression to the base of the hotel is about 50°.
a. How high above ground is the window of Singh’s hotel room?
b. How high above the ground are the workers?

Solution:
a. To find the height of the window we’ll use the tangent ratio, since the adjacent side of
the angle is known, and the opposite side is the height we desire.
𝑜𝑝𝑝 ℎ
For the height ℎ1 : tan 50° = = 501 ; ℎ1 = 50 tan 50° ; ℎ1 ≈ 59.6 𝑓𝑡
𝑎𝑑𝑗
𝑜𝑝𝑝 ℎ2
b. For height ℎ2 : tan 80° = = ; ℎ2 = 80 tan 80° ; ℎ2 ≈ 283.6 𝑓𝑡
𝑎𝑑𝑗 50

The workers are approximately 𝟓𝟗. 𝟔 + 𝟐𝟖𝟑. 𝟔 = 𝟑𝟒𝟑. 𝟐 ft above ground.

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Lecture 3: Laws of Sine and Cosine

 ILO 3: By the end of the learning experience, students must be able to:

✓ Use Sine Law and Cosine Law to solve for sides

and angles of oblique triangles

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 The Law of Sines
❖ Consider the oblique triangle ABC shown in the figure.
❖ Since it is not a right triangle, the trigonometric ratios studied earlier cannot be applied.
❖ But if we draw the altitude h (from vertex B), two right triangles are formed that share a
common side. By applying the sine ratio to angles A and C, we can develop a relationship
that will help us solve the triangle.

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❖ Using the same triangle and the altitude drawn from C
❖ we observe a similar relationship involving angles A and B

❖ Hence, we can write:

The Law of Sines says that in any triangle the lengths of the sides are proportional to
the sines of the corresponding opposite angles

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❖ If is obtuse, the altitude h actually falls outside the triangle as shown in the figure

❖ In this case, consider that from the difference formula for sines
❖ Hence, in the figure we note that

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The Law of Sines is used to solve triangles ASA or SAA and SSA.

Case 1: One side and two angles (ASA or SAA) are known

Case 2: Two sides and the angle opposite one of those sides (SSA)
are known

(In Case 2, there may be no solution, one solution, or two solutions. The latter is known as the ambiguous case.)
24

.
 Solving a Triangle (SAA)
Example 1: Solve the triangle shown in the figure.
Solution
1. We need to find B
B = 180°– (20° + 25°) =135°

2. Since side c is known, to find side a, we use the Law of Sines

sin 𝐴 sin 𝐶 sin 20° sin 25°

= ; =
𝑎 𝑐 𝑎 80.4
80.4 sin 20°
𝑎= ≈ 𝟔𝟓. 𝟏
sin 25°

3. Similarly, to find b , we use

sin 𝐵 sin 𝐶 sin 135° sin 25° 80.4 sin 135° 25
= ; = ; b= ≈ 𝟏𝟑𝟒. 𝟓
𝑏 𝑐 𝑏 80.4 sin 25°
 Tracking a Satellite (SAA)
Example 2: A satellite orbiting the earth passes directly overhead at observation stations in
Phoenix and Los Angeles, 340 mi apart. At an instant when the satellite is between these two
stations, its angle of elevation is simultaneously observed to be 60° at Phoenix and 75° at Los
Angeles. How far is the satellite from Los Angeles?

 Solution: This is not a right triangle, so the standard ratios cannot be used
1. We need to find the distance b of the satellite from Los Angeles. Since sum of the angles
in any triangle is 180°, we see that 𝐶 = 180°– (75° + 60°) = 45°
2. Use the Law of Sines
sin 𝐵 sin 𝐶 sin 60° sin 45°
= ; =
𝑏 𝑐 𝑏 340
340 sin 60°
b= ≈ 416
sin 45 °
Hence, the distance of the satellite from Los Angeles is approximately 416 mi
26
 Solving a Triangle (SSA)
Example 3: Solve the triangle ABC, where A = 45°, 𝑎 = 7 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = 7
Solution
1. We first sketch the triangle with the information we have
2. Sketch is necessarily tentative, since we don’t know yet the other angles. Nevertheless, we can now see
the possibilities
sin 𝐴 sin 𝐵
We first find B: =
𝑎 𝑏
𝑏 sin 𝐴 7 sin 45° 2
sin 𝐵 = = recall special angle sin 45° =
𝑎 7 2 2
1 2 1 1 1
sin 𝐵 = = 2 ; 𝐵 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 = 30° or recall special angle sin 30° = 2
2 2 2

Hence: 𝐶 = 180°– (45° + 30°) =105°

3. Similarly, we can find side c

sin 𝐵 sin 𝐶 sin 30° sin 105° 7 sin 105°
= ; = ; c= 1 ≈ 𝟏𝟑. 𝟓
𝑏 𝑐 7 𝑐 27
2
Solving a Triangle (SSA), the Two-Solution Case
Example 4: Solve the triangle ABC, where A = 43.1°, 𝑎 = 186.2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = 248.6

Solution
1. We first sketch the triangle with the information we have
2. Note that side a may be drawn in two possible positions to complete the triangle (see figure).
3. From the law of sines

4. There are two possible angle B between 0° and 180° such that sin B = 0.91225

5. The other triangle is approximately, 180° − 65.8° = 114.2°

6. Hence:

28
Note: Since the final solution is in doubt until we do further work,
29
the SSA case is called the Ambiguous Case of the Law of Sines
Example 5: Solve the triangle ABC, where A = 40°, 𝑎 = 220 𝑓𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = 220 𝑓𝑡
Solution: The information given is again SSA, and we apply the Law of Sines with this in mind

1. We first sketch the triangle with the information we have

2. Note that side a may be drawn in two possible positions to complete the triangle (see figure).
3. From the Law of Sines

4. The first triangle has A+ B+ C = 180°, Hence: C = 180° − 40° + 35.7° = 𝟏𝟎𝟒. 𝟑°
sin 𝐴 sin 𝐶 𝑎 sin 𝐶 220 sin 104.3°
Applying Law of Sines of side c: = ; 𝑐= ; 𝑐= ≈ 331.7
𝑎 𝑐 sin 𝐴 sin 40°
5. The other triangle is approximately, 180° − 35.7° = 144.3°
However, observe that the sum of the two angles from the second solution already exceeds
> 180° Hence, second solution is not possible. 30
 Law of Cosines
The Law of Sines cannot be used directly to solve triangles if we know two sides
and the angle between them or if we know all three sides as shown in the figure.

To solve these cases, it’s evident we need additional insight on the unknown angles. We
consider any placed on a coordinate system. We position the origin at one of the
vertices—say, C—and the positive half of the x-axis along one of the sides—say, CB.
Let be the coordinates of vertex A. Point B has coordinates and point C has coordinates .

31
 Using the distance formula to determine 𝑐 2
From the figure:
where:

Multiply and simplify:

Hence:

Important:
The law of cosines says that the square of any side is equal to the sums of the squares of the other two sides, minus
twice their product times the cosine of the included angle. Please note that if the included angle
32
is 90°, the formula
reduces to the Pythagorean theorem since cos 90° = 0
The Law of Cosines, is needed to solve triangles SAS and SSS

Case 3: Two sides and the included angle (SAS) are known

Case 4: Three sides (SSS) are known

.
33
 Solving a Triangle (SSS)
Example 1: Solve the triangle shown in the figure.
Solution
1. We need to find , we will use the Law of Cosines

Solving for cos A

(using calculator)
2. Similarly, to find and we use:

∴
34

or = 180°– (18° + 29°) =133°

 Solving a Triangle (SSS)
Example 2: Solve the triangle shown in the figure.
Solution
1. We need to find , we will use the Law of Cosines

Solving for cos A

252 +282 −152

= 2(25)(28)
= 0.845714 ; ≈ 32.2°
2. Similarly, to find and we use:
152 +282 −252
= 2(15)(28)
= 0.457143 ; ∴ ≈ 62.8°

= 180°– (32.2° + 62.8°) = 85° 35

 Solving a Triangle (SAS)
Example 3: Solve the triangle shown in the figure.
Solution
1. We can find a, by using the Law of Cosines

2. Similarly, to find and we use:

36
or = 180°– (46.5° + 35.3°) = 98.2°
 Solving a Triangle (SAS)
Example 4: Solve the triangle shown in the figure.
Solution
1. We can find b, by using the Law of Cosines

2. Similarly, to find and we use:

712 +482 −322

= 2(71)(48)
= 0.9273768 ; ≈ 22°

= 180°– (125.2° + 22°) = 32.8°

37
 Application using Law of Cosine
Example 1: A volcanologist needs to measure the distance across the base of an
active volcano. Distance AB is measured at 1.5 km, while distance AC is 3.2 km.
Using a theodolite (a sighting instrument used by surveyors), angle BAC is found
to be 95.7°. What is the distance across the base?

Solution: The given information is Case 3- SAS

1. Let a be the distance BC across the base of the volcano.
2. By applying the Law of Cosine

Hence, the volcano is approximately 3.7 km wide at its base.

38
 Application using Law of Cosine
Example 2: A triangular field has sides of lengths 22, 36, and 44 yd. Find the
largest angle. C
Solution: The given information is Case 4- SSS
22 36
1. Sketch the triangle ABC
2. Let be the largest angle, the opposite of the longest side.
A B
3. By applying the Law of Cosine 44

Hence, the largest angle

39
 Trigonometry: Areas of Triangle
1
The area of a triangle is 𝐴 = 2 × 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 × ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡

❖ If 𝜃 is an acute angle;
then ℎ = 𝑏 sin 𝜃
1 1
𝐴 = 2 × 𝑎 × 𝑏 sin 𝜃 ; 𝐴= 2
𝑎𝑏 sin 𝜃

❖ If the angle 𝜃 is not acute,

then ℎ = 𝑏 sin 180° − 𝜃 = 𝑏 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
1 1
𝐴 = 2 × 𝑎 × 𝑏 sin 𝜃; 𝐴 = 2
𝑎𝑏 sin 𝜃 (𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 sin 180° = 0)

40
 Example 1: Find the area of a triangle shown in the figure

 Solution: The triangle has sides of length 10 cm and 3 cm, with

included 120°

1
 Hence: 𝐴 = 𝑎𝑏 sin 𝐵
2
1
= (10)(3) sin 120° = 15 sin 60°
2
3
= 15 ≈ 13 𝑐𝑚2
2
41
Example 2: Find the area of a triangle shown in the figure

Solution: The triangle has sides a = 16.2 cm and b = 25.6 cm, with included = 28.3°

1
Hence: 𝐴 = 𝑎𝑏 sin 𝐶
2
1
= 2 (16.2)(25.6) sin 28.3°
≈ 98.3 𝑐𝑚2

42
 Application of solving an Area
Example 3: Through the Mentoring in the City Program sponsored by Marian College, in
Indianapolis, Indiana, children have turned a vacant downtown lot into a monument for
peace.* This community project brought together neighborhood volunteers. businesses, and
government in hopes of showing children how to develop positive, nonviolent ways of
dealing with conflict. A landscape architect† used the children’s drawings and ideas to
design a triangular shaped peace garden. Two sides of the property, formed by Indiana
Avenue and Senate Avenue, measure 182 ft and 230 ft, respectively, and together form a
44.7° angle. The third side of the garden, formed by an apartment building, measures 163
ft. What is the area of this property?

Solution: Since we do not know a height of the

triangle, we use the area formula
1
𝐴 = 𝑏𝑐 sin 𝐴
2
1
A= 182 230 sin 44.7°
2 43

𝐴 ≈ 14, 722 𝑓𝑡 2
 From the previous equation of the area of triangle with SAS, a new formula can be
developed.

44
Example 1: Find the area of a triangle shown in the figure

Solution: The triangle has sides a = 34.5 cm and = 29.3° and = 87.9°
1. Find the measure of angle A, then make the appropriate substitutions:

45
∴
 End of Topic

Thank you
Dr. Maricel G. Dayaday, EcE, ME-EcE, Engr. Jean Martin, MSEnE, Engr. Jay M. Navaluna,MEP-CE
College of Engineering and Information Technology 46