Trigonometry

Trigonometry​ is one of the important branches in the history of

mathematics and this concept is given by a Greek mathematician
Hipparchus. Here, we will study the relationship between the sides and
angles of a right-angled triangle. The basics of trigonometry define three
primary functions which are sine, cosine and tangent.
Trigonometry is one of those divisions in mathematics that helps in finding
the angles and missing sides of a triangle with the help of trigonometric
ratios. The angles are either measured in radians or degrees. The
commonly used trigonometry angles are 0​°​, 30​°​, 45​°​, 60​°​ and 90​°​.
Trigonometry can be divided into two sub-branches called plane
trigonometry and spherical geometry. Here, you will learn about the
trigonometric formulas, functions, and ratios, etc.

Trigonometry Ratios-Sine, Cosine, Tangent

The trigonometric ratios of a triangle are also called the trigonometric
functions. Sine, cosine, and tangent are 3 important trigonometric functions
and are abbreviated as sin, cos, and tan. Let us see how are these ratios or
functions, evaluated in case of a right-angled triangle.
Consider a right-angled triangle, where the longest side is called the
hypotenuse, and the sides opposite to the hypotenuse are referred to as
the adjacent and opposite sides.
Six Important Trigonometric Functions
The six important trigonometric functions (trigonometric ratios) are
calculated using the below formulas and considering the above figure. It is
necessary to get knowledge about the sides of the right triangle because it
defines the set of important trigonometric functions.

Functions Abbreviati Relationship to sides of a

on right triangle

Sine Function sin Opposite side/ Hypotenuse

Tangent tan Opposite side / Adjacent side

Function

Cosine cos Adjacent side / Hypotenuse

Function
 Cosecant cosec Hypotenuse / Opposite side
Function

Secant sec Hypotenuse / Adjacent side

Function

Cotangent cot Adjacent side / Opposite side

Function

Trigonometry Angles
The trigonometry angles which are commonly used in trigonometry
problems are 0​°​, 30​°​, 45​°,​ 60​°​ and 90​°. ​The trigonometric ratios such as
sine, cosine and tangent of these angles are easy to memorize. We will
also show the table where all the ratios and their respective angle’s values
are mentioned. To find these angles we have to draw a right-angled
triangle, in which one of the acute angles will be the corresponding
trigonometry angle. These angles will be defined with respect to the ratio
associated with it.
For example, in a right-angled triangle,
Sin θ = Perpendicular/Hypotenuse
or θ = sin-1 (P/H)
Similarly,
θ = cos-1 (Base/Hypotenuse)
θ = tan-1 (Perpendicular/Base)

Trigonometry Table
Check the table for common angles which are used to solve many
trigonometric problems involving trigonometric ratios.

Angles 0° 30° 45° 60° 90°

Sin θ 0 ½ 1/√2 √3/2 1

Cos θ 1 √3/2 1/√2 ½ 0

Tan θ 0 1/√3 1 √3 ∞

Cosec θ ∞ 2 √2 2/√3 1

Sec θ 1 2/√3 √2 2 ∞

Cot θ ∞ √3 1 1/√3 0

In the same way, we can find the trigonometric ratio values for angles
beyond 90 degrees, such as 180°, 270° and 360°.

Unit Circle
The concept of unit circle helps us to measure the angles of cos, sin and
tan directly since the centre of the circle is located at the origin and radius
is 1. Consider theta be an angle then,
Suppose the length of the perpendicular is y and of base is x. The length of
the hypotenuse is equal to the radius of the unit circle, which is 1.
Therefore, we can write the trigonometry ratios as;

Sin θ y/1 = y

Cos θ x/1 = x

Tan θ y/x

List of Trigonometry Formulas

The Trigonometric formulas or Identities are the equations which are true in
the case of Right-Angled Triangles. Some of the special trigonometric
identities are given below –
1. Pythagorean Identities
● sin²θ + cos²θ = 1
● tan2θ + 1 = sec2θ
 ● cot2θ + 1 = cosec2θ
● sin 2θ = 2 sin θ cos θ
● cos 2θ = cos²θ – sin²θ
● tan 2θ = 2 tan θ / (1 – tan²θ)
● cot 2θ = (cot²θ – 1) / 2 cot θ
2. Sum and Difference identities-
For angles u and v, we have the following relationships:
● sin(u + v) = sin(u)cos(v) + cos(u)sin(v)
● cos(u + v) = cos(u)cos(v) – sin(u)sin(v)
● tan(u+v) =
● tan(u) + tan(v)
● 1−tan(u) tan(v)
●
● sin(u – v) = sin(u)cos(v) – cos(u)sin(v)
● cos(u – v) = cos(u)cos(v) + sin(u)sin(v)
● tan(u-v) =
● tan(u) − tan(v)
● 1+tan(u) tan(v)
●
3. If A, B and C are angles and a, b and c are the sides of a triangle,
then,
Sine Laws
● a/sinA = b/sinB = c/sinC

Cosine Laws
● c2 = a2 + b2 – 2ab cos C
● a2 = b2 + c2 – 2bc cos A
● b2 = a2 + c2 – 2ac cos B

Trigonometry Identities
The three important trigonometric identities are:
 ● sin²θ + cos²θ = 1
● tan²θ + 1 = sec²θ
● cot²θ + 1 = cosec²θ

Euler’s Formula for trigonometry

As per the euler’s formula,
eix = cos x + i sin x
Where x is the angle and i is the imaginary number.
he three important trigonometric identities are:

sin²θ + cos²θ = 1
tan²θ + 1 = sec²θ
cot²θ + 1 = cosec²θ

Euler’s Formula for trigonometry

As per the euler’s formula,

eix = cos x + i sin x

Where x is the angle and i is the imaginary number.

sinx=eix−e−ix2icosx=eix+e−ix2tanx=(eix−e−ix)i(eix+e−ix)

Trigonometry Basics
The three basic functions in trigonometry are sine, cosine and tangent.
Based on these three functions the other three functions that are
cotangent, secant and cosecant are derived.
All the trigonometrical concepts are based on these functions. Hence, to
understand trigonometry further we need to learn these functions and their
respective formulas at first.
If θ is the angle in a right-angled triangle, then
Sin θ = Perpendicular/Hypotenuse
Cos θ = Base/Hypotenuse
Tan θ = Perpendicular/Base
Perpendicular is the side opposite to the angle θ.
The base is the adjacent side to the angle θ.
The hypotenuse is the side opposite to the right angle
The other three functions i.e. cot, sec and cosec depend on tan, cos and
sin respectively, such as:
Cot θ = 1/tan θ
Sec θ = 1/cos θ
Cosec θ = 1/sin θ
Hence,
Cot θ = Base/Perpendicualr
Sec θ = Hypotenuse/Base
Cosec θ = Hypotenuse/Perpendicular

Trigonometry Examples
There are many real-life examples where trigonometry is used broadly.
If we have been given with height of the building and the angle formed
when an object is seen from the top of the building, then the distance
between object and bottom of the building can be determined by using the
tangent function, such as tan of angle is equal to the ratio of the height of
the building and the distance. Let us say the angle is ∝, then
Tan ∝ = Height/Distance between object & building
Distance = Height/Tan ∝
Let us assume that height is 20m and the angle formed is 45 degrees, then
Distance = 20/Tan 45°
Since, tan 45° = 1
So, Distance = 20 m

Applications of Trigonometry
● Its applications are in various fields like oceanography, seismology,
meteorology, physical sciences, astronomy, acoustics, navigation,
electronics, etc.
● It is also helpful to measure the height of the mountain, find the
distance of long rivers, etc.

Trigonometry Problems and Solutions

Example 1​: Two friends, Rakesh and Vishal started climbing a
pyramid-shaped hill. Rakesh climbs 315 m and finds that the angle of
depression is 72.3 degrees from his starting point. How high he is from the
ground.
Solution​: Let m is the height above the ground.
To find: Value of m
To solve m, use the sine ratio.
Sin 72.3° = m/315
0.953 = m/315
m= 315 x 0.953
m=300.195 mtr
The man is 300.195 mtr above the ground.
Example 2:​ A man is observing a pole of height 55 foot. According to his
measurement, pole cast a 23 feet long shadow. Can you help him to know
the angle of elevation of the sun from the tip of shadow?
Solution:
Let x be the angle of elevation of the sun, then
tan x = 55/23 = 2.391
x = tan-1(2.391)
or x = 67.30 degrees

Trigonometry Questions
Practice these questions given here to get a deep knowledge of
Trigonometry. Use the formulas and table given in this article wherever
necessary.
Q.1: In △ABC, right-angled at B, AB=22 cm and BC=17 cm. Find:
(a) sin A Cos B
(b) tan A tan B
Q.2: If 12cot θ= 15, then find sec θ.
Q.3: In Δ PQR, right-angled at Q, PR + QR = 30 cm and PQ = 10 cm.
Determine the values of sin ​P, ​cos ​P a
​ nd tan ​P.
Q.4: If sec 4θ = cosec (θ- 300), where 4θ is an acute angle, find the value
of A.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you Mean by Trigonometry?

Trigonometry is one of the branches of mathematics which deals with the

relationship between the sides of a triangle (right triangle) with its angles.
There are 6 trigonometric functions for which the relation between sides
and angles are defined. Learn more all about trigonometry now by visiting
BYJU’S.

What are the six basic Trigonometric Functions?

There are 6 trigonometric functions which are:

● Sine function
● Cosine function
● Tan function
● Sec function
● Cot function
● Cosec function
What is the formula for six trigonometry functions?

The formula for six trigonometry functions are:

Sine A = Opposite side/Hypotenuse

Cos A = Adjacent side / Hypotenuse

Tan A = Opposite side / Adjacent side

Cot A = Adjacent side / Opposite side

Sec A = Hypotenuse / Adjacent side

Cosec A = Hypotenuse / Opposite side

What is the primary function of trigonometry?

The three primary functions of trigonometry are Sine function, Cosine

function and Tangent Function.

Who is the founder of trigonometry?

A greek astronomer, geographer and mathematician, Hipparchus

discovered the concept of trigonometry.

What are the Applications of Trigonometry in Real Life?

One of the most important real-life applications of trigonometry is in the
calculation of height and distance. Some of the sectors where the concepts
of trigonometry are extensively used are aviation department, navigation,
criminology, marine biology, etc. Learn more about the applications of
trigonometry here.

Q : What is the value of

is:
(A) 3

(B) 2

(C) 1

(D) 0

Answer

Correct Answer : C

Q : A tower standing on a horizontal plane subtends a certain angle

at a point 160 m apart from the foot of the tower. On advancing 100 m
towards it, the tower is found to subtend and angle twice as before.
The height of the tower is
(A) 80 m

(B) 100 m
(C) 160 m

(D) 200 m

Answer

Correct Answer : A

Q : If sinθ – cosθ = 7/13 and 00 < θ < 900 , then the value of sinθ +
cosθ is :
(A) 17/13

(B) 13/17

(C) 1/13

(D) 1/17

Answer

Correct Answer : A

Q : What is the value of

(A) 0

(B) 1
(C) -1

(D) 2

Answer

Correct Answer : B

Q : What is the value of the following

(A) cosec A

(B) cos A

(C) secA

(D) sinA

Answer

Correct Answer : C

Q : If tan2θ +cot2θ = 2, then what is the value of 2secθ cosecθ?

(A) 0

(B) 1

(C) 2

(D) 4
Answer

Correct Answer : D