CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

 Illustrate the unit circle
 Illustrate the different circular functions
 Use reference angles to find the exact values of circular functions
Week 7
PRE-CALCULUS TRIGONOMETRY 3 hours

THE UNIT CIRCLE

Unit Circle
 A circle with radius 1 centered at the origin is called the unit circle.
 The equation of the unit circle is 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 = 𝟏. Hence, any point
𝑃 (𝑥, 𝑦) on the circle will satisfy this equation.
 Its circumference is 2𝜋.

CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS ON REAL NUMBERS

Recall that the arc length that subtends a central angle of a circle is
given by the formula 𝑠 = 𝑟𝜃. From this, we can derive that the central
𝑠
angle subtended by the arc is radians.
𝑟
Now, consider the unit circle. Let 𝜃 be an angle in standard position
in radian measure and let 𝑠 be the arc length that subtends 𝜃. Since the
radius of the circle is 1, then 𝑠 = 𝜃 and 𝜃 = 𝑠 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑠. From these, the
trigonometric functions can be defined by the following.

If 𝑠 is a real number and 𝜃 is an angle having radian measure 𝑠, then

sin 𝜃 = sin 𝑠 csc 𝜃 = csc 𝑠
cos 𝜃 = cos 𝑠 sec 𝜃 = sec 𝑠
tan 𝜃 = tan 𝑠 cot 𝜃 = cot 𝑠
In words, the sine and cosine of any real number 𝑠 are the same as the sine and cosine, respectively,
of an angle 𝜃 having radian measure 𝑠.

This time, travel 𝑠 units around circle, starting from the point
(1,0), ending at point 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦). From 𝑃, draw a perpendicular line
to the 𝑥-axis. A right triangle is formed and 𝑥 and 𝑦 (coordinates of
𝑃) are assigned as the sides of the right triangle. Subsequently, we
have the following.
𝑜𝑝𝑝 𝑦 𝑎𝑑𝑗 𝑥
sin 𝜃 = = cos 𝜃 = =
ℎ𝑦𝑝 𝑟 ℎ𝑦𝑝 𝑟
𝑦 𝑥
sin 𝜃 = = 𝑦 cos 𝜃 = = 𝑥
1 1
sin 𝑠 = 𝑦 cos 𝑠 = 𝑥
Hence, for any real number 𝑠, cos 𝑠 and sin 𝑠 are coordinates
of any point 𝑃 on the unit circle.
1
 In particular, (cos 𝑠 , sin 𝑠) is the terminal point of the arc of length 𝑠 measured along the unit circle
from (1,0) in the indicated direction. Subsequently, the other circular functions are given by the following.
𝑜𝑝𝑝 ℎ𝑦𝑝 𝑟 ℎ𝑦𝑝 𝑟 𝑎𝑑𝑗
tan 𝜃 = csc 𝜃 = = sec 𝜃 = = cot 𝜃 =
𝑎𝑑𝑗 𝑜𝑝𝑝 𝑦 𝑎𝑑𝑗 𝑥 𝑜𝑝𝑝
𝑦 1 1 𝑥
tan 𝜃 = ; 𝑥 ≠ 0 csc 𝜃 = ; 𝑦 ≠ 0 sec 𝜃 = ; 𝑥 ≠ 0 cot 𝜃 = ; 𝑦 ≠ 0
𝑥 𝑦 𝑥 𝑦
𝑦 𝑥
tan 𝑠 = ; 𝑥 ≠ 0 1 1
𝑥 csc 𝑠 = ; 𝑦 ≠ 0 sec 𝑠 = ; 𝑥 ≠ 0 cot 𝑠 = ; 𝑦 ≠ 0
𝑦 𝑥 𝑦

Study the given example.

3 4
Given point 𝑃 with corrdinates ( , − ), determine if this point is on the unit circle. If 𝑃 is on the
5 5
unit circle, identify the values of the circular functions of the arc that terminates at this given point.
a. Is the point on the unit circle?
Substitute the given coordinates to the equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 1.
3 2 4 2
( ) + (− ) = 1
5 5
9 16
+ =1
25 25
25
=1
25
1=1
3 4
The end statement is true. Hence, 𝑃 = ( , − ) is on the unit circle.
5 5

b. What are the values of the circular functions that corresponds to 𝑠 at the given point?
sin 𝑠 = 𝑦 cos 𝑠 = 𝑥 𝑦
tan 𝑠 =
4 3 𝑥
sin 𝑠 = − cos 𝑠 = 4
5 5 − 4
tan 𝑠 = 5 = −
3 3
5
1 1 𝑥
csc 𝑠 = sec 𝑠 = cot 𝑠 =
𝑦 𝑥 𝑦
1 5 1 5 3
csc 𝑠 = =− sec 𝑠 = = 3
4 4 3 3 cot 𝑠 = 5 = −
− 5 4 4
5 −
5

Challenge yourself.
√5
What should be the 𝑦-coordinate of point 𝑃 ( , 𝑦) such that it is on the unit circle and it is found on the
6
first quadrant? Afterwards, find the circular values corresponding to 𝑠 at this point.

2
EXACT VALUES OF CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS
In this part, we are going to study how to find the exact values of circular functions of quadrantal and
special angles. From the previous module, we can deduce that a complete revolution forms a circle. Hence,
the total measure of the angle inside the circle is 360° or 2𝜋. Moreover, the total length of the arc is 2𝜋.
Values of Circular Functions of Quadrantal Angles
The unit circle can be equally divided by the 𝑥- and 𝑦-axes into four sectors. Each sector has a
𝜋 𝜋
central angle that measures 90° or . Thus, each arc has length . Every time the terminal point stops on
2 2
𝜋
the axis, an additional is added from the preceding angle or arc.
2

The exact values of the circular functions are based on the coordinates of the terminal point 𝑃.
The terminal point of 𝑠 = 0 is (1,0). Hence, The terminal point of 𝑠 = 𝜋 is (1,0). Hence,
sin 0 = 𝑦 = 0 1 1 sin 𝜋 = 𝑦 = 0 1 1
csc 0 = = = ∞ csc 𝜋 = = = ∞
𝑦 0 𝑦 0
cos 0 = 𝑥 = 1 1 1 cos 𝜋 = 𝑥 = −1 1 1
sec 0 = = = 1 sec 𝜋 = = =1
𝑥 1 𝑥 −1
𝑦 0 𝑥 1 𝑦 0 𝑥 −1
tan 0 = = = 0 cot 0 = = = ∞ tan 𝜋 = = = 0 cot 𝜋 = = =∞
𝑥 1 𝑦 0 𝑥 −1 𝑦 0
𝜋 3𝜋
The terminal point of 𝑠 = is (0,1). Hence, The terminal point of 𝑠 = is (1,0). Hence,
2 2
𝜋 𝜋 1 1 3𝜋 3𝜋 1 1
sin = 𝑦 = 1 csc = = = 1 sin = 𝑦 = −1 csc = = = −1
2 2 𝑦 1 2 2 𝑦 −1
𝜋 𝜋 1 1 3𝜋 3𝜋 1 1
cos = 𝑥 = 0 sec = = = ∞ cos =𝑥=0 sec = = =∞
2 2 𝑥 0 2 2 𝑥 0
𝜋 𝑦 1 𝜋 𝑥 0 3𝜋 𝑦 −1 3𝜋 𝑥 0
tan = = =∞ cot = = =0
tan = = = ∞ cot = = = 0 2 𝑥 0 2 𝑦 −1
2 𝑥 0 2 𝑦 1
∞ denotes undefined

Challenge yourself. Using the information above, find the value of the circular functions when 𝜃 = 360°.

3
 We can also easily divide the unit circle into equal sectors having central angles that measure 30°, 45°,
𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
or 60°–in radian, , , or , respectively. These measures are going to be our reference angles.
6 4 3
𝝅
Values of Circular Functions of Multiples of 𝒔 = (𝟒𝟓° − 𝟒𝟓° − 𝟗𝟎° Right Triangle)
𝟒
In this type of triangle, we know that the sides/legs are equal. Using
𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 = 𝑐 2 (Pythagorean Theorem), we are going to solve for the
sides. We now have,
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 12 .
But we said that the sides are equal, then
𝑥 2 + 𝑥 2 = 1.
Solving for the value of 𝑥,
2𝑥 2 = 1
1
𝑥2 =
2
1 The values of the circular
√𝑥 2 = √ 𝜋
2 functions of are given by the
4
1 √2 following.
𝑥=± =± 𝜋 √2 𝜋
√2 2 sin = csc = √2
4 2 4
√2
Since the terminal point is location in 𝑄𝐼, then 𝑥 = . Subsequently, 𝜋
2 𝜋 √2 sec = √2
√2 √2 √2 cos = 4
𝑦 = . Thus, the coordinates of the terminal points are ( , ). 4 2
2 2 2 𝜋 𝜋
tan = 1 cot = 1
4 4
The unit circle below shows the values of the circular functions We see that the quadrantal
𝜋 𝜋
corresponding to the multiples of 𝑠 = . angles are multiples of .
4 4
Hence, we consider them when
𝜋
counting movement of the
4
terminal point.

They are also reduced in the

2𝜋
simplest form. Recall that is
4
𝜋
simplified as . The same is
2
done with the rest of the
quadrantal angles.

We can also say that the

triangle is just flipped from one
quadrant to the other.
The same values of the
coordinates are seen, but the
sign depends on the location of
the terminal point.

𝜋
Challenge yourself. Using the unit circle divided by , find the value of the following circular functions.
4
7𝜋 7𝜋
1. sin = 2. csc =
4 4
2𝜋 6𝜋
3. cos = 4. sec =
4 4
5𝜋 3𝜋
5. tan = 6. cot =
4 4

4
 30° − 60° − 90° Right Triangle

In this type of triangle, the side opposite the 30°-angle (shorter leg)
is half of the hypotenuse and the side opposite the 60°-angle (longer leg )
is √3 times the shortest leg.
In the unit circle, the hypotenuse refers to the radius. Hence, it has
a length equal to 1 unit. From the definition, the length of the shorter
1 √3
leg is ; while the length of the longer leg is .
2 2

𝝅
Values of Circular Functions of Multiples of 𝒔 =
𝟔
𝜋
Given 𝑠 = , its shorter leg corresponds to the 𝑦-coordinate and
6
its longer leg corresponds to the 𝑥-coordinate. Hence, the values of the
𝜋
circular functions of are given by the following.
6
𝜋 1 𝜋
sin = csc = 2
6 2 6
𝜋 √3 𝜋 2√3
cos = sec =
6 2 6 3
𝜋 𝜋 √3
tan = √3 cot =
6 6 3
The unit circle below shows the values of the circular functions We can again see that the
𝜋
corresponding to the multiples of 𝑠 = . quadrantal angles are also
6 𝜋
multiples of and are written
6
in simplest form.
𝜋
The multiples of are also
3
𝜋
multiples of and are also
6
expressed in simplest form.

The values of the coordinates

of the terminal point are also
the same. The sign depends
which quadrant the terminal
point/side lies.

𝜋
Challenge yourself. Using the unit circle divided by , find the value of the following circular functions.
6
7𝜋 11𝜋
1. sin = 2. csc =
6 6
8𝜋 2𝜋
3. cos = 4. sec =
6 6
5𝜋 3𝜋
5. tan = 6. cot =
6 6

5
 𝜋
Challenge yourself. Complete the information on the values of the circular functions of multiples of 𝑠 = .
3
𝝅
Values of Circular Functions of Multiples of 𝒔 =
𝟑
𝜋
Given 𝑠 = , its shorter leg corresponds to the 𝑥-coordinate and
3
its longer leg corresponds to the 𝑦-coordinate. Hence, the values of the
𝜋
circular functions of are given by the following.
3
𝜋 𝜋
sin = csc =
3 3
𝜋 𝜋
cos = sec =
3 3
𝜋 𝜋
tan = cot =
3 3

Give the coordinates of the terminal points of the following arc or What patterns have you
angle. observed in this part?

𝜋
Challenge yourself. Using the unit circle divided by , find the value of the following circular functions.
6
5𝜋 4𝜋
1. sin = 2. csc =
3 3
6𝜋 3𝜋
3. cos = 4. sec =
3 3
2𝜋 𝜋
5. tan = 6. cot =
3 6

6
SPECIAL ANGLES AS REFERENCE ANGLES
Study the following examples.
Find the exact value of all the circular functions of the given arc length/angle measure.
13𝜋 13𝜋 𝜋
1. means we have to eat 13 pieces of slices of pizza
6 6 6
while moving around the unit circle. It can also mean
𝜋
that the terminal point have to travel thirteen times
6
before it can rest. So by counting, we are able to locate
13𝜋
. It terminates on 𝑄𝐼 and the reference angle
6
𝜋
formed is . To get the exact values of its circular
6
functions, we base it on the relation given.
𝜋 13𝜋 1 𝜋 13𝜋
sin = sin = csc = csc =2
6 6 2 6 6
𝜋 13𝜋 √3 𝜋 13𝜋 2√3
cos = cos = sec = sec =
6 6 2 6 6 3
𝜋 13𝜋 𝜋 13𝜋 √3
tan = tan = √3 cot = cot =
6 6 6 6 3
19𝜋 𝜋
2. After traveling nineteen times, we see that the
4 4
terminal point lies on 𝑄𝐼𝐼. Moreover, the reference
𝜋
angle formed is . That means then that we have to
4
𝜋
copy the coordinates of the terminal point of but we
4
have to follow the sign of 𝑄𝐼𝐼 – which are (−, +).
The exact values of the circular function corresponding
to this measure are given by the table below.
19𝜋 √2 19𝜋 1
sin = csc = = √2
4 2 4 √2
2
19𝜋 √2 19𝜋 1
cos =− sec = = −√2
4 2 4 √2
−
2
√2 √2
19𝜋 19𝜋 − 2
tan = 2 = −1 cot = = −1
4 √2 4 √2
−
2 2
Challenge yourself. Find the exact value of all the circular functions of the given arc length/angle measure.
17𝜋
1.
3

8𝜋
2.
16

7
Bautista, E.P. et. al. (2007). Experiencing mathematics series: advanced algebra,
trigonometry and statistics. Quezon City, Philippines: Vibal Publishing House, Inc.

Course Manual in Plane and Spherical Trigonometry, 1st Edition, CAS-MPS, La

Trinidad, Benguet, 2015.

Orines, F.B. (2018). Next century mathematics: precalculus. Quezon City,

Philippines: Phoenix Publishing House, Inc.

Ruivivar, L.A. (2011). Math for engaged learning: advanced algebra, trigonometry,
and statistics IV. Quezon City, Philippines: Sibs Publishing House, Inc.

Tamayo, J.S., Villareal, M.J.A., and Gatmaitan, J.M. (2017). Conceptual math and
beyond: precalculus. Quezon City, Philippines: Brilliant Creations Publishing Inc.

https://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/unit-circle.html

https://www4.uwsp.edu/math/nwodarz/Math119Files/119-0708S-S01-
Chapter05.ppt
Here are some videos that you can watch to supplement your reading.
Setting up the Unit Circle Part 1 and Reference Angle
https://youtu.be/j5SoWzBSUmY

Setting Up the Unit Circle Part 2

https://youtu.be/FaZ7frx8nd8

Evaluating Trig Functions w/ Unit Circle Degrees & Radians

https://youtu.be/NO4H4YROdqk

Stop memorizing the unit circle

https://youtu.be/qW6Ua50fTw8

Trigonometric Functions and Unit Circle - Part 1 | Trigonometry | Don't Memorise

https://youtu.be/hgWiVvUv3f4

What is the Unit Circle? Part 2 | Don't Memorise

https://youtu.be/O2fSkqqVJ5w

8
Name: ______________________________________
Score:
Section: _______

PRE-CALCULUS
SELF-ASSESSMENT 7. Check your understanding on this lesson by working on this
activity. Answer all items completely. Detach this worksheet and submit it at school on
the indicated due date. Your answers can also be turned in our google classroom.

Due Date: November 4-5, 2020

70 points Google classroom class code: 3klvfs6
1 hour Email: precalculus.sa.bsusls@gmail.com

I. Illustrate the following angles or arcs.

1. 16𝜋 2. −7𝜋

19𝜋 19𝜋
3. 4. −
2 2

31𝜋 13𝜋
5. 6. −
6 6

9
 19𝜋 10𝜋
7. 8. −
3 3

27𝜋
9. 10. −675°
4

II. Use the quadrantal and special angles in finding the exact values of the circular functions of the
following arc lengths/angle measures.
𝑠 sin 𝑠 cos 𝑠 tan 𝑠 csc 𝑠 sec 𝑠 cot 𝑠

1. 16𝜋

2. −7𝜋
19𝜋
3.
2
19𝜋
4. −
2
31𝜋
5.
6
13𝜋
6. − 6
19𝜋
7.
3
10𝜋
8. − 3
27𝜋
9.
4

10. −675°

10