Copy of Lecture - Trigonometry
Copy of Lecture - Trigonometry
I. What is Trigonometry?
● from the Greek words “trigonon” (triangle) and “metron” (measure), Trigonometry is a branch of
mathematics pthat studies triangles and its relationship with its sides and angles.
● Very important in Physics and Engineering
Tip:
One way to look at this is the SOHCAHTOA method. Sine represents the opposite side of the angle or the y-component. Similarly
the cosine which represents the adjacent of the angle thus the x-component. By following the sign conventions of the four
quadrants represented earlier, you can easily find which trigonometric function yields the positive/negative value.
Trigonometric Functions of Special Angles (30o, 45o, 60o)
Law of Cosines
Applications:
− Angle of elevation: angle made by the line of sight and a horizontal ray below the line of sight (example:
Horizontal ray = x-axis; line of sight = any ray lying on the 1st quadrant)
− Angle of depression: angle made by line of sight and horizontal ray above the line of sight (example: Horizontal ray
= x-axis; line of sight = any ray lying on the 4th quadrant)
Review Problems:
1) A tower is 150 ft high and from its top, the angle of depression of an object is 36.4 o
a) Determine the distance from the base of the tower to the object.
b) How far is the object from the top of the tower?
3) A building is 1250 ft tall. What is the angle of elevation of the top from a point on the ground 1 mile (5280 ft) from the base of
the building?
5) Express the trigonometric function value in terms of a function of the associated reference angle; then determine the exact value:
a) sin(135o)
b) cos(210o)
c) tan(- 240o)
d) cot(330o)
e) csc(- 120o)