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TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS
Learning objectives:
After this lesson, you should be able to:
• Define trigonometric functions in terms of right triangles.
• Redefine trigonometric functions in terms of the unit circle.
• Use right triangles drawn in the unit circle to define the trigonometric
functions for any angle

Trigonometric Functions on the Unit Circle

Identifying points on a unit circle allows one to apply trigonometric functions to any angle.
The x- and y-axes divide the coordinate plane (and the unit circle, since it is centered at the
origin) into four quarters called quadrants. We label these quadrants to mimic the direction a
positive angle would sweep. The four quadrants are labeled I, II, III, and IV.

For any angle 𝑡, we can label the intersection of its side and the unit circle by its
coordinates, (𝑥, 𝑦). The coordinates 𝑥 and 𝑦 will be the outputs of the trigonometric
functions 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 and 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡, respectively. This means:

𝑥 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡

𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡

The diagram of the unit circle illustrates

these coordinates.

Note that the values of 𝑥 and 𝑦 are given by the

lengths of the two triangle legs that are colored red. This
is a right triangle, and you can see how the lengths of
these two sides (and the values of 𝑥 and 𝑦) are given by
trigonometric functions of 𝑡.
1
Page

Course: Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry www.ccdisorsogon.edu.ph

Instructor: Syrel Joy M. Bobier
E-mail: syrelbobier@gmail.com
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For an example of how this applies, consider the diagram showing the point with
√2 √2
coordinates (− , ) on a unit circle.
2 2

We know that, for any point on a unit circle, the 𝑥-

coordinate is 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 and the 𝑦-coordinate is 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡.
√2
Applying this, we can identify that 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 = − and
2

√2
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 = − for the angle 𝑡 in the diagram.
2

𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡
Recall that 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡. Applying this formula, we

can find the tangent of any angle identified by a unit

circle as well. For the angle 𝑡 identified in the
diagram of the unit circle showing the point
√2 √2
(− , ) , the tangent is:
2 2

𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 =
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡

√2
−
2
= √2
−
2

=1

Further Consideration of the Unit Circle

The coordinates of certain points on the unit circle and the measure of
each angle in radians and degrees are shown in the unit circle coordinates diagram. This diagram
allows one to make observations about each of these angles using trigonometric functions.
2
Page

Course: Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry www.ccdisorsogon.edu.ph

Instructor: Syrel Joy M. Bobier
E-mail: syrelbobier@gmail.com
 COMPUTER COMMUNICATION DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
Learning Management System

Unit circle coordinates: The unit circle, showing coordinates and angle measures of certain points.

Given any angle 𝑡, we can find the 𝑥– or 𝑦-coordinate at that point

using 𝑥 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 and 𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡.
The unit circle demonstrates the periodicity of trigonometric functions.
Periodicity refers to the way trigonometric functions result in a repeated set of values at regular
intervals. Take a look at the 𝑥 −values of the coordinates in the unit circle above for values
of 𝑡 from 0 to 2𝜋:

We can identify a pattern in these numbers, which fluctuate

between −1 and 1. Note that this pattern will repeat for higher values of 𝑡. Recall that these 𝑥-
3

values correspond to 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡. This is an indication of the periodicity of the cosine function.
Page

Course: Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry www.ccdisorsogon.edu.ph

Instructor: Syrel Joy M. Bobier
E-mail: syrelbobier@gmail.com
 COMPUTER COMMUNICATION DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
Learning Management System

Example

7𝜋
Solve sin ( 6 )

7𝜋
The unit circle diagram shows the coordinates at 𝑡 = . Since the 𝑦-coordinate corresponds
6

to 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡, we can identify that

7𝜋 1
sin ( 6 ) = − 2

4
Page

Course: Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry www.ccdisorsogon.edu.ph

Instructor: Syrel Joy M. Bobier
E-mail: syrelbobier@gmail.com