11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Introduction to Geometry (2689)

Achilleas Sinefakopoulos

Friday
Apr 30, 2021 - Oct 8, 2021
7:30 - 9:00 PM ET (4:30 - 6:00 PM PT)

Overview
Week 22 (Sep 24) Class Transcript - Basic Trigonometry
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Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:29:12
Hi, everyone!

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 19:29:29
hi

Brendangho
2021-09-24 19:29:29
hi

Sunshine2016
2021-09-24 19:29:29
hi!

JC0001
2021-09-24 19:29:29
hiii

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 19:29:29
hi

Rinnypig
2021-09-24 19:29:29
Hello!

iejake
2021-09-24 19:29:29
Hi!

Suraahi
2021-09-24 19:29:29
Hello!

pwr
2021-09-24 19:29:29
hello

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 19:29:29
hi!

CalvinGarces
2021-09-24 19:29:29
Hello!

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:29:31
Introduction to Geometry

Week 22: Basic Trigonometry

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:29:33
Say hello to Julie Zhu (lizhufan) who will be helping us today!

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:29:35
Julie (Li) Zhu has a PhD in biostatistics from University of Minnesota and has taught undergraduate and graduate level statistics
courses. She is also a proud math mom, having trained her four children in math since they started talking. Julie enjoys playing
mathematical games with her family and learning together. She volunteers for a variety of local and national math competitions.

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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
She first heard of AoPS when her daughter took a class years ago. She joined the AoPS staff in 2019. She enjoys gardening and
hiking while not doing math.

iejake
2021-09-24 19:30:08
Hi!!!!

pwr
2021-09-24 19:30:08
hi

Suraahi
2021-09-24 19:30:08
Hello!

CalvinGarces
2021-09-24 19:30:08
Hello!!

Rinnypig
2021-09-24 19:30:08
Hi!

dan09
2021-09-24 19:30:08
Hello!

Brendangho
2021-09-24 19:30:08
hello

Mathqueen20
2021-09-24 19:30:11
Hi Julie

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:30:13
For the last two classes, we've been looking at analytic geometry, where we put our geometric diagrams on a coordinate plane.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:30:23
Two classes ago, we familiarized ourselves with various shapes like lines and circles and how to express them as subsets of the
plane using equations. Then last class, we learned how to move around on the coordinate plane (reflect, rotate), and then started
using coordinates to solve problems that don't require them.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:30:36
In those classes, we focused a lot on lengths, seeing the distance formula again and again. Trigonometry is a similar tool that we
use in order to deal with angles.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:31:01
Fair warning: today we're going to use calculated approximate values in order to get better intuition about the size of various
geometric objects (lengths and angles). I apologize in advance. None of the approximations we have today will be used for
anything (in a rigorous sense), but we will approximate some final answers to get a clearer conceptual grasp of what's going on.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:31:13
DEFINITIONS

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:31:17
Let's look at a right triangle with ∠A
∘ ∘
= 50 , ∠C = 90 , AC = 10.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:31:18

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:31:30

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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
If we measured AB (the hypotenuse length) with a ruler, we'd find out that it's about 15.56 units.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:31:42
Now let's say we have another right triangle DEF with ∠D and DF How can we use the information we have about
∘
= 50 = 20.

triangle ABC to find DE ?

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:31:44

pwr
2021-09-24 19:32:12
similar triangles

JC0001
2021-09-24 19:32:12
Similar triangles?

MathNinja7
2021-09-24 19:32:12
We can use similar triangles

Suraahi
2021-09-24 19:32:12
ΔABC ∼ ΔDEF

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:32:29
How do we know that triangles ABC and DEF are similar?

pwr
2021-09-24 19:33:07
AA similarity

MathNinja7
2021-09-24 19:33:07
Because of AA similarity

dan09
2021-09-24 19:33:07
AA similarity

RollOver2020
2021-09-24 19:33:07
AAA similarity

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 19:33:07
By AA similarity

Suraahi
2021-09-24 19:33:07
AA similarity

Vitah2008
2021-09-24 19:33:07
by　ＡＡ　ｓｉｍｉｌａｒｉｔｙ

Sarah010
2021-09-24 19:33:07
AA similarity

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:33:18
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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
AC DF
We know that triangles ABC and DEF are similar by AA similarity. Therefore = .
AB DE

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:33:29
So, what do we find about DE ?

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:33:56
(use "about" or "approximately")

Rinnypig
2021-09-24 19:34:38
DE ≈ 31.12.

iejake
2021-09-24 19:34:38
DE is approximately 31.12

Sarah010
2021-09-24 19:34:38
DE= approximately 31.12

Brendangho
2021-09-24 19:34:38
DE is aabout 31.12 units

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 19:34:38
DE ≈ 31.12

dan09
2021-09-24 19:34:38
We know that the ratio of similarity is 2, so DE = 2 ⋅ AB , which is approximately 2 ⋅ 15.56 = 31.12

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:34:51
10 20
We find ≈ , so DE ≈ 31.12.
15.56 DE

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:35:07

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:35:11
Similarly, any time we have a right triangle with an acute angle of 50 degrees, the ratio of the leg adjacent to the 50∘ angle of that
AC 10
triangle to the hypotenuse equals ≈ ≈ 0.643 , as in the triangle above.
AB 15.56

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:35:23
We can make a similar observation about any right triangle by noting that the ratio of a leg in a right triangle to the hypotenuse of
the triangle depends only on the acute angle adjacent to the leg. (In particular, it doesn't depend on the length of the sides of the
triangle!)

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:35:34
AC
So in a triangle ABC where ∠C is a right angle, we can say that the ratio is a function of the angle at A alone.
AB

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:35:44
This function has a name: cosine, abbreviated cos.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:35:47

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Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:35:50
So, for the right triangle above, we define cos A as:

b
cos A = .
c

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:36:04
Here we're using just A to denote the angle at A to keep the notation simple. More generally we can say for any right triangle,

length of leg adjacent to A

cos A = .
length of hypotenuse

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:36:15
Notice that this isn't particularly new information for you! It's just similar triangles (again!).

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:36:23
We're giving a name to this ratio that occurs in all right triangles with an angle A in them, and that ratio is the same for all such
triangles because of similarity.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:36:34

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:36:39
In our introductory example with ∠A and AC we have
∘
= 50 = 10,

b 10
∘
cos 50 = ≈ ≈ 0.643.
c 15.56

Now that we know the cosine of 50 degrees (or, more precisely, a decimal approximation telling us the first few decimals), we can
apply this knowledge to any other right triangle that has an angle of 50 degrees. For example, let's say we have the triangle ABC
below with right angle at C, ∠A = 50 degrees, and c = 7. We want to find b. (More precisely, we want to use our numerical
approximation of cos 50∘ to give a corresponding approximation of how big b is.)

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:37:04

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Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:37:09
How do we do it? What formula can we write for b in terms of cos 50 ?
∘

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:37:41
(use degrees)

Rinnypig
2021-09-24 19:39:15
b = 7 cos 50 .
∘

dan09
2021-09-24 19:39:15
∘ b
cos 50 =
7

pwr
2021-09-24 19:39:15
cos(50 degrees)=b/7

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 19:39:15
b
cos 50∘ =
7

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 19:39:15
b=c*cos(50 degrees)

Vitah2008
2021-09-24 19:39:15
cos (50 degrees) = b/7, so b = 7*cos (50 degrees)

tkubota
2021-09-24 19:39:15
∘
b = 7(cos 50 )

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 19:39:15
b=7cos(50 degrees)

Brendangho
2021-09-24 19:39:15
∘
b/7 = cos 50

Sarah010
2021-09-24 19:39:15
b = cos(50 degrees) * 7

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:39:23
b
From our definition of cosine, we have cos 50∘ = .
c

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:39:28
We are given that c = 7, and we have cos 50∘ ≈ 0.643, so we have b = c ⋅ cos 50
∘
= 7 cos 50
∘
≈ 4.50.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:39:45
(note that we used \approx in our answer above)

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:39:56
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
In our triangle, we can only call AB the hypotenuse, so c is always the hypotenuse.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:40:04
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
If we look at it from the point of view of angle A, the leg AC of length b is adjacent to that angle.

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Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:40:22
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
The other leg, BC whose length is a, is the leg opposite that angle.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:40:43
In a right triangle ABC, we can form many ratios, not just b/c. Once we decide what angle A is going to be, we also know what all
these ratios are. So we can give names to the ratios that arise when we choose a particular acute angle A of right triangle ABC :

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:41:04

b adjacent leg
cosine: cos A = = ,
c hypotenuse

a opposite leg
sine: sin A = = ,
c hypotenuse

a opposite leg
tangent: tan A = = ,
b adjacent leg

c hypotenuse
secant: sec A = = ,
b adjacent leg

c hypotenuse
cosecant: csc A = = ,
a opposite leg

 and 

b adjacent leg
cotangent: cot A = = .
a opposite leg

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:41:23

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:41:35
These ratios are known as "trigonometric functions", or "trig functions" for short. ("Trigonometric" is a fancy Greek way of saying
"triangle-measuring".)

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:41:44
Some people remember the first three of these with the mnemonic "SOHCAHTOA":

Opposite Adjacent Opposite

Sine =  ; Cosine =  ; Tangent = .
Hypotenuse Hypotenuse Adjacent

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:41:53
I have also heard people use the mnemonic "Some Old Horse Caught Another Horse Taking Oats Away."

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:42:08
You can use one of these mnemonics, or make up your own. Remember it in whatever way works for you!

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:42:17
For now, we'll just focus on sine, cosine, and tangent. They're the most fundamental; once you've mastered the meaning of those
and how to work with them, the other three are easy to add into your repertoire as well. Don't bother trying to memorize all of these
right this second. We'll tackle a few problems with sine and cosine -- it's fine to look back at the definitions when you need to.
Eventually, you'll have it all memorized just from using them so much!

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Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:42:33
Let's try a problem to make sure we have the definitions down.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:42:35
In triangle ABC, if c = 25 and b = 24, and ∠C is right, what is sin A ?

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:42:41
Sketching a diagram helps us keep the information straight:

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:42:42

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:42:47
What's the definition of the sine of an angle in a right triangle?

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:43:41
(opposite what?)

pwr
2021-09-24 19:44:26
sine is opposite leg over hypotenuse

dan09
2021-09-24 19:44:26
The leg opposite the angle divided by the hypotenuse

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 19:44:26
Sine = opposite leg/hypotenuse

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:44:39
It's the opposite leg over the hypotenuse.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:45:09
How does this become in this problem?

dan09
2021-09-24 19:45:29
a a
sin A = =
c 25

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:45:33
a
The leg opposite A is a, so we want the ratio .
c

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:45:38
We're told c = 25. What is a?

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 19:46:08
a=7

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 19:46:08
a=7

Sarah010
2021-09-24 19:46:08
a=7

pwr
2021-09-24 19:46:08
a=7

dan09
2021-09-24 19:46:08

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We remember the pythagorean triple 7 − 24 − 25, so a is 7.

RollOver2020
2021-09-24 19:46:08
a is 7

Rinnypig
2021-09-24 19:46:08
a = 7 .

Vitah2008
2021-09-24 19:46:08
a=7

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:46:12
a is 7 from the Pythagorean Theorem (or from seeing the 7 – 24 – 25 right triangle).

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:46:21
7
This means sin A = = 0.28.
25

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:46:27
What is cos B ?

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 19:47:26
cos B= 0.28

dan09
2021-09-24 19:47:26
a 7
cos B = = = sin A
c 25

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 19:47:26
cos B = a/c = 7/25, it's the same as sin A

Brendangho
2021-09-24 19:47:26
cos B = 7/25

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:47:29
BC a
The cosine is the ratio of the adjacent leg to the hypotenuse, so cos B = = , which is the same as sin A! So again the
AB c
7
answer here is cos B = .
25

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:47:43
Is this always the case in a right triangle? Specifically, if ∠A and ∠B are the acute angles of the right triangle ABC, do we have
sin A = cos B ?

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:47:55

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 19:48:07
yes

GarudS
2021-09-24 19:48:07
YESSSSS

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 19:48:07
yes!
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RollOver2020
2021-09-24 19:48:07
Yes, this is always the case

Hridhaan
2021-09-24 19:48:07
Yes

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:48:09
a a
Yes! From our definitions of sine and cosine, we have sin A = and cos B = , so they are equal.
c c

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:48:17
How are angles A and B related?

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 19:48:44
they are complementary

Suraahi
2021-09-24 19:48:44
< A+ < B = 90 º
Vitah2008
2021-09-24 19:48:44
A + B = 90 degrees

dan09
2021-09-24 19:48:44
∘
A = 90 − B

Suraahi
2021-09-24 19:48:44
They're complementary

Sunshine2016
2021-09-24 19:48:44
<A + <B = 90º

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:48:46
Since they are the acute angles of a right triangle, we have ∠A + ∠B = 90 degrees (that is, they are complementary). Therefore,
we have just discovered that if ∠A is an acute angle, we have sin A = cos(90∘ − ∠A).

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:48:55
In fact, "cosine" is short for the Latin phrase "complementi sinus" which translates to "sine of the complement", and similarly with
"cosecant" and "cotangent".

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:49:09
Two long roads run north to south, one 10 miles east of the other. A bird starts at the west road, and flies at 10 mph towards the
east road. But the bird doesn't fly straight; instead they fly 10 degrees north of east. How long will it take for it to reach the east
road?

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:49:17
How can we solve this?

dan09
2021-09-24 19:49:47
Draw a diagram first!

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 19:49:47
draw a picture!

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 19:49:47
draw a diagram?

pwr
2021-09-24 19:49:47
draw a diagram

MathNinja7
2021-09-24 19:49:47
Draw a diagram

Suraahi
2021-09-24 19:49:47
Draw a diagram

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Vitah2008
2021-09-24 19:49:47
draw a diagram first

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:49:49
Let's first figure out how far the bird went. Suppose the bird starts at A and goes to B. Let C be the point on the east road directly
east of A.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:50:01
What can we say about △ABC ?

RollOver2020
2021-09-24 19:50:21
It's a right triangle

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 19:50:21
it is a right triangle

MathNinja7
2021-09-24 19:50:21
Its a right triangle

takolhe12
2021-09-24 19:50:21
its a right triangle

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:50:30
It's a right triangle.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:50:34

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:50:38
What else do we know?

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 19:51:18
<BAC = 10 degrees

takolhe12
2021-09-24 19:51:18
angle A is 10 degrees

GarudS
2021-09-24 19:51:18
∘
∠BAC = 10

cwc28
2021-09-24 19:51:18
<A=10 degrees

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:51:27
∠A is 10 degrees. What else?

cwc28
2021-09-24 19:52:15
b=10

Hridhaan
2021-09-24 19:52:15
b=10

Suraahi
2021-09-24 19:52:15
b = 10 mi

GarudS
2021-09-24 19:52:15
AC = 10

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shenpinyi
2021-09-24 19:52:15
b = 10 miles

MathNinja7
2021-09-24 19:52:15
b=10

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 19:52:15
AC=10

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:52:27
AC is 10 miles.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:52:31
So how can we find AB in terms of one of our trigonometric functions? Which trig function should we use?

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 19:52:59
cosine

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 19:52:59
cosine

Sarah010
2021-09-24 19:52:59
cosine

pwr
2021-09-24 19:52:59
cosine

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:53:07
What do we see using cosine?

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:53:26
(use degrees)

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 19:54:08
∘ 10
cos10 =
c

pwr
2021-09-24 19:54:08
cosine( A degrees) = 10/AB

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:54:11
Using the definition of cosine, we see

AC
∘
cos 10 = .
AB

So what is AB ? (Give your answer in terms of cos 10∘ . I'll supply a corresponding numerical approximation after we have given
our exact answers expressed explicitly in terms of cos 10∘ .)

dan09
2021-09-24 19:55:13
AC 10
AB = ∘
= ∘
cos 10 cos 10

CalvinGarces
2021-09-24 19:55:13
AB = 10/cos(10degrees)

Suraahi
2021-09-24 19:55:13
AB = 10/(cos 10º)

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 19:55:13
10
AB = ∘
cos10

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:55:18
We have

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AC 10 miles
AB = = ≈ 10.154 miles.
∘ ∘
cos 10 cos 10

(I approximated cos 10 with a calculator.)

∘

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:55:22
You can type "10/cos(10 degrees)" into Google if you want, and it'll do this calculation for you. You need to make sure your
calculator knows you're measuring angles in degrees, though!

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:55:30
So how long does it take the bird to reach the east road?

dan09
2021-09-24 19:57:08
10.154
≈ 1.0154 hours
10

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 19:57:08
About 1.0154 hours

CalvinGarces
2021-09-24 19:57:08
about 1.0154h

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 19:57:08
about 1.0154 hours

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 19:57:08
approximately 1.0154 hours

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:57:12
The bird flies at 10 mph, so it takes approximately 1.0154 hours, or about an hour and 1 minute.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:57:29
TANGENT

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:57:32
Besides the sine and cosine functions, the next most important trigonometric function is the tangent function. Recall that the
tangent of an acute angle in a right triangle is the length of the opposite leg, divided by the length of the adjacent leg.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:57:44

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:58:02
What's tan A in the triangle above?

Vitah2008
2021-09-24 19:58:33
tan A = a/b

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 19:58:33
tan A = a/b

Rinnypig
2021-09-24 19:58:33
a
tan A = .
b

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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Sarah010
2021-09-24 19:58:33
tan A=a/b

RollOver2020
2021-09-24 19:58:33
tan A is a/b

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 19:58:33
a
tanA =
b

Brendangho
2021-09-24 19:58:33
tan A = a/b

Sunshine2016
2021-09-24 19:58:39
a/b

MathNinja7
2021-09-24 19:58:39
a

superhero2020
2021-09-24 19:58:39
a/b

cwc28
2021-09-24 19:58:39
a/b

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 19:58:39
tan(A)=a/b

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:58:42
In the triangle above,

a
tan A = .
b

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:58:51
Quick question: What angle has tangent equal to 1?

Suraahi
2021-09-24 19:59:29
45 º
Rinnypig
2021-09-24 19:59:29
45 .
∘

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 19:59:29
45 degrees

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 19:59:29
45 degrees

Vitah2008
2021-09-24 19:59:29
45 degree angle

Sarah010
2021-09-24 19:59:29
45 degrees

Sunshine2016
2021-09-24 19:59:29
45º

Achilleas
2021-09-24 19:59:36
What does it mean for an angle to have tangent 1?

Suraahi
2021-09-24 20:00:21
The two legs of the triangle are congruent

pwr
2021-09-24 20:00:21

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 14/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
the legs are equal in length

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:00:21
that means both legs of the triangle are congruent

Rinnypig
2021-09-24 20:00:21
It means that the opposite leg has a length equal to the adjacent leg.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:00:35
If an angle has a tangent of 1, then it means that if we put it in a right triangle, the ratio of the opposite and adjacent legs will be 1.
In other words, the two legs will be the same length.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:00:58
So what would the triangle look like?

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:01:52
isosceles right triangle

pwr
2021-09-24 20:01:52
45-45-90 triangle

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:01:52
it would be a 45-45-90 triangle

Sunshine2016
2021-09-24 20:01:52
45-45-90

Vitah2008
2021-09-24 20:01:52
an isosceles right triangle

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:01:52
it would be an isosceles right triangle (45-45-90 triangle)

Hridhaan
2021-09-24 20:01:52
45-45-90

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:01:52
An isosceles right triangle

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:01:59
It would be an isosceles right triangle, so a 45 – 45 – 90 triangle.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:02:12

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:02:37
The ratio of opposite leg to adjacent leg (BC to AC ) in this triangle is 1. Therefore, tangent of 45 degrees is 1.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:02:56
sin A
Also, for any acute angle at A, we have = tan A. Why?
cos A

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:02:58

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 15/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:03:55
sin A/cos A = (a/c)/(b/c) = a/b = tan A

Brendangho
2021-09-24 20:04:02
a

sin A c a
= b
= = tan A
cosA b
c

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:04:05
sin A
Let's compute both tan A and in terms of the sides of ABC :

cos A

sin A ( ) a

c
a
= =
cos A b b
( ) c

 and 
a
tan A = .
b

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:04:10
The value of the hypotenuse c cancels.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:04:24
Let's see the tangent in another problem.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:04:27
Suppose you're looking out the window of an airplane and you see a field. One side of the field is 35 degrees below the horizon,
and the other side of the field is 50 degrees below the horizon. If your plane is 2 miles off the ground, how wide is the field? Here's
a picture:

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:04:29

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 16/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:05:13
If we want to use trigonometry, we'll want some right triangles. Which length do we want to find?

Vitah2008
2021-09-24 20:05:40
BC

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:05:40
we need to find CB

cwc28
2021-09-24 20:05:40
BC

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:05:40
BC

Rinnypig
2021-09-24 20:05:40
CB.

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:05:40
BC

GarudS
2021-09-24 20:05:40
BC

max_z
2021-09-24 20:05:40
CB

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:05:53
The length we want is BC, but I don't see any right triangles with BC as a side. How should we find BC?

max_z
2021-09-24 20:06:47
CB-BD=BC

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:06:47
BC = CD - BD

Vitah2008
2021-09-24 20:06:47
we find CD and BC, and subtract CD from BC

pwr
2021-09-24 20:06:47
CD-BD

Rinnypig
2021-09-24 20:06:47
BC = CD − BD.

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:06:47

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 17/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
BC = CD - BD, so we can find CD and BD

Sarah010
2021-09-24 20:06:47
CD-BD

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:06:47
CD-BD=BC

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:07:04
If we express BC as CD − BD, all we have to find is the side lengths of some right triangles. That's exactly what trigonometry is
good at.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:07:17
How do we get BD using a trigonometric function?

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:07:47
Keep in mind that the only length we know is AD = 2, and the only angles we know are at A. What trig function of an angle at A
could we use to relate BD and AD?

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:08:08
(use three letters for an angle)

pwr
2021-09-24 20:09:58
tan(<BAD)=BD/2

Vitah2008
2021-09-24 20:09:58
tan(<BAD) = BD/2

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:10:03
From right triangle BAD, we have

BD BD
tan ∠BAD = = ,
AD 2

so BD = 2 tan ∠BAD.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:10:07
What's the measure of angle BAD ?

max_z
2021-09-24 20:10:28
40 degrees

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:10:28
∘
∠BAD = 40

Sunshine2016
2021-09-24 20:10:28
40º

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:10:28
40 degrees

Vitah2008
2021-09-24 20:10:28
40 degrees

RyanL2019
2021-09-24 20:10:28
40˚

pwr
2021-09-24 20:10:28
40 degrees

MathNinja7
2021-09-24 20:10:28
∘
40

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:10:30
We have ∠BAD = 90∘ − 50∘
∘
= 40 .

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 18/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:10:38
So, what's BD?

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:10:47
(use about or approximately)

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:11:16
(also, use units)

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:12:21
(make sure you use "degrees" in your calculator)

pwr
2021-09-24 20:12:49
about 1.68 miles

Brendangho
2021-09-24 20:12:49
about 1.678 miles

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:12:52
BD = 2 tan 40 ≈ 1.68 miles.
∘

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:13:10
(We can compute this by putting it into our browser: 2*tan (40 degrees) )

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:13:33
Now we need CD to finish our plan. How can we find it?

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:14:19
we use tan CAD

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:14:33
We do basically the same thing we did for BD. What do we have from right triangle CAD?

pwr
2021-09-24 20:15:07
tan(<CAD)=CD/2

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:15:16
We have

CD CD
tan ∠CAD = = .
AD 2

So, we have CD = 2 tan ∠CAD.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:15:18
What is ∠CAD ?

Sunshine2016
2021-09-24 20:15:42
55º

cwc28
2021-09-24 20:15:42
55 degrees

RyanL2019
2021-09-24 20:15:42
55˚

pwr
2021-09-24 20:15:42
55 degrees

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:15:42
<CAD = 55 degrees

Teediv
2021-09-24 20:15:42
55 degrees

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:15:42

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 19/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
∘
∠CAD = 55

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:16:00
We have ∠CAD = 90 − 35 , so what about CD?
∘ ∘ ∘
= 55

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:17:22
(use units)

pwr
2021-09-24 20:17:37
CD is about 2.856 miles

pwr
2021-09-24 20:17:37
around 2.86 miles

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:17:37
about 2.856 miles

Brendangho
2021-09-24 20:17:37
about 2.856 miles

Teediv
2021-09-24 20:17:37
approimately 2.85 miles

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:17:52
CD = 2 tan 55 ≈ 2.86 miles.
∘

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:17:57
Therefore, what's BC ?

Teediv
2021-09-24 20:18:42
approximately 1.18 miles

RollOver2020
2021-09-24 20:18:42
BC is about 1.2 miles

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:18:42
BC ≈ 1.18 miles

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:18:42
BC is about1.18 miles

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:18:46
miles.
∘ ∘
BC = CD − BD = 2 tan 55 − 2 tan 40 ≈ 2.86 − 1.68 ≈ 1.2

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:18:54
That's the width of the field (approximately).

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:19:05
SPECIAL ANGLES

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:19:15
Usually there is no simpler way to write the sine or cosine of an angle X than just sin X or cos X. If you want a numerical
approximation, the easiest way is to use a calculator. (You can usually find a free calculator on your computer, cell phone, or the
internet.)

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:19:26
However, for some angles, you can use your knowledge of geometry to figure out the sine and cosine exactly.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:19:31
Let's see some examples, starting with the sine of 30 degrees.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:19:38

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 20/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:19:42
To find sin A, we'll need to know AB in terms of a. What is it?

superhero2020
2021-09-24 20:20:20
2a

pwr
2021-09-24 20:20:20
2a

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:20:20
AB=2a

RyanL2019
2021-09-24 20:20:20
2a

Teediv
2021-09-24 20:20:20
it is 2a because it is a 30 60 90 triangle

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:20:20
AB = 2a

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:20:20
AB = 2a

RollOver2020
2021-09-24 20:20:20
AB = 2a

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:20:25
From what we know about 30 – 60 – 90 triangles, we know that AB must be 2a. This means that sin 30∘ is what?

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:21:00
1/2

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:21:00
1/2

MathNinja7
2021-09-24 20:21:00
1/2

Sarah010
2021-09-24 20:21:00
1/2

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:21:00
∘ 1
sin 30 =
2

CalvinGarces
2021-09-24 20:21:00
1/2

Rinnypig
2021-09-24 20:21:00
.
∘ 1
sin 30 =
2

pwr
2021-09-24 20:21:00
1/2

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:21:05

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 21/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
BC a 1
∘
sin 30 = = = .
AB 2a 2

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:21:17
Let's do cos 60 while we're at it. What is it?
∘

CalvinGarces
2021-09-24 20:21:54
1/2.

GarudS
2021-09-24 20:21:54
1/2

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:21:54
1/2.

Sarah010
2021-09-24 20:21:54
1/2.

Teediv
2021-09-24 20:21:54
1/2

Bluepantzola1
2021-09-24 20:21:54
1/2

MathNinja7
2021-09-24 20:21:54
1

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:21:54
∘ 1
cos 60 =
2

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:21:54
1/2

pwr
2021-09-24 20:21:54
1/2

RyanL2019
2021-09-24 20:21:54
cos 60˚=1/2

yoyododococo123
2021-09-24 20:21:54
1/2

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:21:59

side adjacent to B BC

∘
cos 60 = =
hypotenuse AB

1
This is the same as before, ! Remember, we saw before that cosine of an angle is always the same as sine of the complementary
2
angle.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:22:08
In order to get cos 30∘ and sin 60∘ , we'll want to know AC. What is it, in terms of a ?

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:22:48
a√ 3

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:22:48
a(sqrt(3))

pwr
2021-09-24 20:22:48
a√ 3

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:22:48
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 22/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
a*sqrt(3)

RyanL2019
2021-09-24 20:22:48
a√3

Teediv
2021-09-24 20:22:48
a√ 3

MathNinja7
2021-09-24 20:22:48
AC = a√3

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:22:53
We can use the Pythagorean Theorem (or our understanding of 30-60-90 triangles):

AC = √AB 2
− BC
2
= √4a 2
− a
2
= a√3.

So what's sin 60
∘
?

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:24:21
sqrt(3)/2

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:24:21
∘ √3
sin 60 =
2

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:24:21
√3/2

Sarah010
2021-09-24 20:24:21
sqrt(3)/2

RyanL2019
2021-09-24 20:24:21
Sin 60˚=(a√3)/(2a)=√3/2

dan09
2021-09-24 20:24:21
√3

MathNinja7
2021-09-24 20:24:21
√3

Bluepantzola1
2021-09-24 20:24:21
sqrt(3)/2

pwr
2021-09-24 20:24:21
sqrt(3)/2

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:24:21
(sqrt(3))/2

Teediv
2021-09-24 20:24:21
√3

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:24:49

∘
sin 60 = sin B

side opposite B
=
hypotenuse

AC
=
AB

a√ 3 √3
= = .
2a 2

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 23/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
And cos 30
∘
?

Sunshine2016
2021-09-24 20:25:33
√3/2

pwr
2021-09-24 20:25:33
sqrt(3)/2.

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:25:33
sqrt(3)/2 again

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:25:33
also sqrt(3)/2

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:25:33
sqrt(3)/2

RollOver2020
2021-09-24 20:25:33
(square root of 3)/2

GarudS
2021-09-24 20:25:33
√3 /2

Suraahi
2021-09-24 20:25:33
√3/2

Rinnypig
2021-09-24 20:25:33
√3
.
∘
cos 30 =
2

cwc28
2021-09-24 20:25:33
sqrt{3}/2

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:25:36
This is the same as sin 60∘ ,

AC √3
∘
cos 30 = = .
AB 2

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:25:45
Let's now find the sine and cosine of 45 degrees.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:25:47

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:25:52
What are sin A and cos A here?

ARay10
2021-09-24 20:26:42
Both are 1

√2

Sarah010
2021-09-24 20:26:42

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 24/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
sqrt(2)/2

Rinnypig
2021-09-24 20:26:42
√2
sin A = cos A =
2
.

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:26:42
sin A = 1/sqrt(2), cos A = 1/sqrt(2)

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:26:42
sin A= =cos A= 1

√2

ARay10
2021-09-24 20:26:42
√2
Both are 2

Vitah2008
2021-09-24 20:26:45
sin A = sqrt(2)/2, cos A = sqrt(2)/2

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:26:51

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:26:53
The hypotenuse of a right isosceles triangle is √2 times each leg length. Therefore,

BC 1 √2
∘
sin 45 = sin A = = = .
AB √2 2

By symmetry, cos 45 is the same thing. And we already know that tan 45
∘ ∘
= 1.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:27:05
To summarize what we now know about the sines and cosines of special angles, we have

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:27:09

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 25/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
1
∘
sin 30 = ,
2

√3
∘
cos 30 = ,
2
∘
sin 30 1 √3
∘
tan 30 = = = ,
∘
cos 30 √3 3

√2
∘
sin 45 = ,
2

√2
∘
cos 45 = ,
2
∘
tan 45 = 1,

√3
∘
sin 60 = ,
2

1
∘
cos 60 = ,
2

 and 
∘
∘
sin 60
tan 60 = = √3.
∘
cos 60

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:27:16
Don't memorize these! Instead, practice figuring them out each time - this will build your intuitive understanding of trigonometry.
(You aren't expected to be able to 'know' these all right away, but you should be able to work from the definitions of sine and cosine
to figure these out now.)

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:27:25
Any questions?

Sunshine2016
2021-09-24 20:27:37
are we going to talk about secant?

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:27:56
Not really. We said all we wanted about it.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:28:07
Okay, I have a couple of questions for you!

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:28:09
Is there an angle A, say in a right triangle ABC , such that sin A = √2 ?

GarudS
2021-09-24 20:28:51
nopeeeee

Rinnypig
2021-09-24 20:28:51
No.

CalvinGarces
2021-09-24 20:28:51
no

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:28:51
no, than is impossible, a leg cannot be greater than the hypotenuse

Sunshine2016
2021-09-24 20:28:51
no

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:28:57
Why not?

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:29:08

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 26/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
no, because sqrt(2) is bigger than 1

pwr
2021-09-24 20:29:08
no the leg cant be longer than the hypotenuse and sqrt(2) is greater than 1

MathNinja7
2021-09-24 20:29:08
But that would mean the leg is greater than the hypotenuse

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:29:11
In any right triangle, the hypotenuse is the longest side. By definition, sin A is the ratio of the opposite leg over the hypotenuse,
and hence it must be less than 1. Since √2 is larger than 1, there is no such angle!

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:29:24
How about an angle A such that cos A = √3 ?

Vitah2008
2021-09-24 20:29:42
no

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:29:42
NO!!!!!

GarudS
2021-09-24 20:29:42
none

Sarah010
2021-09-24 20:29:42
no

pwr
2021-09-24 20:29:42
no

Rinnypig
2021-09-24 20:29:42
Nope.

Sunshine2016
2021-09-24 20:29:42
no

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:29:45
No, this is still impossible, for the exact same reason! √3 is larger than 1.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:29:51
Please have this in mind if you ever end up with the value of the sine or the cosine of an angle larger than 1.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:30:10
MORE PROPERTIES OF TRIG FUNCTIONS

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:30:11
The most fundamental theorem about right triangles is the Pythagorean Theorem. Let's see what it tells us about trigonometry.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:30:19
What happens when you write down the Pythagorean Theorem and use trigonometry to eliminate the a and b ?

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:30:24

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 27/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:30:31
How can we rewrite a using the sine or cosine of A ?

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:32:03
a=c*sin(A)

Rinnypig
2021-09-24 20:32:03
a = c sin A.

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:32:03
a = c(sin A)

Sarah010
2021-09-24 20:32:03
a=sin(A) *c

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:32:03
a= c ⋅ sin A

cwc28
2021-09-24 20:32:03
sin A=a/c so a=(sin A)c

Suraahi
2021-09-24 20:32:03
a = c(sinA)

Teediv
2021-09-24 20:32:03
a = c * Sine A

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:32:05
We have a = c sin A since sin A = a/c .

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:32:12
How can we rewrite b using the sine or cosine of A ?

pwr
2021-09-24 20:33:10
b= c* cos(A)

Rinnypig
2021-09-24 20:33:10
b = c cos A.

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:33:10
b = c(cos A)

Sarah010
2021-09-24 20:33:10
b=c cos(A)

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:33:10
b=c*cos(A)

Teediv
2021-09-24 20:33:10
b = cos(A) * c

Suraahi
2021-09-24 20:33:10

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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
b = c( cos A)

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:33:13
We have b = c cos A since cos A = b/c .

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:33:17
Now what does the Pythagorean theorem tell us?

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:33:52
(everyone knows that! we expect like 40 answers )

pwr
2021-09-24 20:34:32
a^2+b^2=c^2

Vitah2008
2021-09-24 20:34:32
a^2 + b^2 = c^2

Sunshine2016
2021-09-24 20:34:32
a^2 + b^2 = c^2

cwc28
2021-09-24 20:34:32
a^2+b^2=c^2

Suraahi
2021-09-24 20:34:32
2 2 2
c = b + a

iejake
2021-09-24 20:34:32
a^2+b^2=c^2

Hridhaan
2021-09-24 20:34:32
a^2+b^2=c^2

Sarah010
2021-09-24 20:34:32
c^2=a^2+b^2

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:34:32
that a^2 + b^2 = c^2

SpencerSun
2021-09-24 20:34:32
a^2+b^2=c^2

Teediv
2021-09-24 20:34:32
a^2 + b^2 = c^2

RyanL2019
2021-09-24 20:34:32
a^2+b^2=c^2

CalvinGarces
2021-09-24 20:34:32
a^2 + b^2 = c^2

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:34:35
From the Pythagorean Theorem, we have

2 2 2
a + b = c .

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:34:44
What do we get after plugging our expressions for a and b into this?

cwc28
2021-09-24 20:35:16
(c sin A)^2+(c cos A)^2=c^2

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:35:16
(c(cos A))^2 + (c(sin A))^2 = c^2

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:35:20

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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Plugging our expressions for a and b into the Pythagorean Theorem, we get

2 2 2
(c sin A) + (c cos A) = c

or

2 2 2 2 2
c sin A + c cos A = c .

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:35:27
What relationship does this give us between sin A and cos A ?

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:36:17
sin^2(A)+cos^2(A)=1

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:36:17
2 2
(sin A) + (cos A) = 1

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:36:17
2 2
sin A + cos A = 1

cwc28
2021-09-24 20:36:17
sin^2 A+cos^2 A=1

dan09
2021-09-24 20:36:17
2 2
sin (A) + cos (A) = 1

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:36:19
Dividing by c2 gives

2 2
sin A + cos A = 1.

This is one of the most important trigonometric identities.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:36:25
Note that sin means (sin A)2 . It does not mean sin(sin A), nor sin(A2 ).
2
A = sin(A) ⋅ sin(A)

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:36:35
This identity offers yet another reason why we cannot have an angle such that sin A = √2.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:36:41
Do you all see why?

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:36:53
Yes

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:36:53
yep!

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:36:55
If we had such an angle, then we would have (√2) + cos A . That is, 2 + cos , or cos which is plainly
2 2 2 2
= 1 A = 1 A = −1

false because the square of a (real) number is nonnegative!

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:37:05
How about an angle such that sin A = cos A = 1?

pwr
2021-09-24 20:37:35
no

dan09
2021-09-24 20:37:35
Does not exist

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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:37:35
NOPE!!!!

cwc28
2021-09-24 20:37:35
noope it doesn't exist

Sunshine2016
2021-09-24 20:37:35
no

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:37:35
I think that is impossible

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:37:37
If this were possible, our identity above tells us we would have 1 + 1 = 1 . We all know this is false!

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:37:43
How about an angle A such that sin A and cos A
3 4
= = ?
5 5

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:38:17
Yes!!

Sunshine2016
2021-09-24 20:38:17
yes

pwr
2021-09-24 20:38:17
yes, 3,4,5 right triangle

dan09
2021-09-24 20:38:17
Yes!

cwc28
2021-09-24 20:38:17
this one works...

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:38:17
yes

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:38:17
a 3-4-5 triangle, yes

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:38:20
Yup! This is fine! Just consider ∠A to be an acute angle in a 3 − 4 − 5 right triangle. The above Pythagorean identity is clearly
9 16
satisfied since + = 1.
25 25

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:38:34
UNIT CIRCLE

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:38:37
So far we have only seen how to define the sines and cosines of angles between 0 and 90 degrees. But the trigonometric functions
are actually defined for any angle, using something called the unit circle. Let's see how this works.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:38:44
The unit circle is the circle in the Cartesian plane, centered at the origin and with radius 1.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:38:48
The nice thing about the unit circle is that it gives us a way to pick a point in the plane to associate with any angle. Given an angle
θ, imagine starting at (1, 0) and traveling around the circle counterclockwise by θ (counterclockwise is defined as "the positive

direction" when talking about measuring angles in the plane). The point you arrive at, combined with the origin and (1, 0), forms
an angle of size θ. Let's call this new point P .

Sunshine2016
2021-09-24 20:39:14
what is θ?

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:39:16

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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
That symbol θ is the Greek letter "theta." In LTEX, you can type that with \theta. In plain text, just write "theta."
A

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:39:21
Here's a picture:

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:39:22

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:39:33
Let's suppose that 0 < θ < What are the coordinates of P
∘ ∘
90 . ?

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:39:57
(x,y)

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:39:57
(x,y)

Brendangho
2021-09-24 20:40:00
(x, y)

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:40:03
If P is the point (x, y), let's try to find x and y using trigonometry. To use trigonometry, we need a right triangle. How can we get a
right triangle we can use to find x and y ?

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:40:32
drop a perpendicular from P to the x-axis

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:40:36
Let's draw the perpendicular from P to the x-axis. Then we'll have a right triangle with sides x and y.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:40:41

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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:40:45
Now we have a nice right triangle OP Q. Let's see what we get when we compute trig functions using it. What is sin θ ?

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:41:18
sin θ = y

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:41:18
sin θ = y

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:41:20
We have

PQ y
sin θ = = = y.
OP 1

What about cos θ?

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:41:37
cos θ = x

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:41:37
cos θ = x

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:41:37
cos θ = x

Sunshine2016
2021-09-24 20:41:37
cos theta = x

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:41:39
We find

OQ x
cos θ = = = x.
OP 1

So, how can we write the coordinates of P in terms of θ ?

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:42:15
the coordinates of P are (cos θ, sin θ)

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:42:15
(cos θ, sin θ)

RyanL2019
2021-09-24 20:42:15
(cos θ, sin θ)

Sunshine2016
2021-09-24 20:42:15
(cos θ , sin θ)

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Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:42:17
We can say that P has coordinates (x, y) = (cos θ, sin θ).

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:42:22
By the way, one easy way to remember which coordinate is sine and which is cosine is that it's alphabetical order:
(cos θ, sin θ) = (x, y).

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:42:27
What about tan θ ? What does it equal?

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:42:58
y
tan θ =
x

pwr
2021-09-24 20:42:58
tan (theta) = y/x

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:42:58
tan θ = y/x

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:43:00
tan θ = y/x

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:43:03

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:43:06
sin θ y
We have tan θ = = .
cos θ x

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:43:19
y
In the coordinate plane, what does x
correspond to?

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:43:37
slope

Suraahi
2021-09-24 20:43:37
slope

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:43:37
the slope

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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:43:40
Of what?

Vitah2008
2021-09-24 20:43:54
the slope of line OP

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:43:54
The slope of OP!

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:43:54
slope of line OP

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:43:54
the slope of line OP

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:43:54
the slope of line OP

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:43:56
It's the slope of the line OP .

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:44:05
So to summarize, when we start at (1, 0) and go counterclockwise an angle theta around the circle, and θ is between 0 and 90, we
end up at the point (cos θ, sin θ). This suggests that we should define cosine and sine using the unit circle. In fact, that's exactly
how we will define them.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:44:20
In this way, we obtain values for sin θ and cos θ where θ is any angle (not just acute).

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:44:29
Definition: For any θ, cos θ is defined to be the first coordinate (x) of the point P you arrive at by starting at (1, 0) and going
counterclockwise an angle θ around the unit circle, and sin θ is defined to be the second coordinate (y) of P .

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:44:38
We also define tan θ as the slope of the line OP .

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:44:49
Let's try some more examples.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:44:50
What are cos 120 and sin 120 ?
∘ ∘

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:44:56
Using the definition, what should be our first step to find these?

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:45:12
draw a diagram on the unit circle?

pwr
2021-09-24 20:45:12
draw a diagram with a unit circle

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:45:14
We want to draw a point P at an angle of 120∘ counterclockwise from (1, 0) in the unit circle. Then our goal is to find its
coordinates. Here's our point P :

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:45:18

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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:45:26
As a quick aside, you'll often see angles in trigonometry described by what quadrant they are in.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:45:31

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:45:37
The quadrants are often referred to with Roman numerals, and are defined as shown above. The angle 120 degrees is a second
quadrant angle, which means that the corresponding point on the unit circle is in the quarter of the Cartesian plane with y > 0 and
x < 0 (the first quadrant is x > 0, y > 0, and the others are numbered counterclockwise as shown above).

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:45:49
And now, back to our story.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:46:06
Let's see how our triangle OP Q can help us find the coordinates of P . What do we know about △OP Q?

Vitah2008
2021-09-24 20:46:45
it is a 30-60-90 triangle

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:46:45
it is a 30-60-90 triangle

pwr
2021-09-24 20:46:45
its a 30-60=90 triangle

Suraahi
2021-09-24 20:46:45
it's a 30-60-90 triangle

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:46:48

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 36/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
We know ∠P QO = 90 and ∠P OQ ∘
= 180
∘
− 120
∘
= 60
∘
, so it's a 30 – 60 – 90 triangle. We also know OP = 1 since it's a
radius of our unit circle.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:46:56
So what are OQ and P Q?

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:47:57
OQ=0.5 and PQ=sqrt(3)/2

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:47:57
1/2 and sqrt(3)/2 respectively

pwr
2021-09-24 20:47:57
OQ=1/2 and PQ=sqrt(3)/2

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:47:57
OQ = 1/2, PQ = sqrt(3)/2

Suraahi
2021-09-24 20:47:57
1
OQ = 1/2 and P Q = √3
2

Teediv
2021-09-24 20:47:57
OQ = 1/2 and QP = (sqrt3)/2

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:47:59
OP 1 √3
From our knowledge of 30 − 60 − 90 side ratios, we have OQ = = and P Q = √3 ⋅ OQ = . So what are the
2 2 2
coordinates of P ?

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:48:35
(Careful! The coordinates are not both positive.)

pwr
2021-09-24 20:49:00
(-1/2, sqrt(3)/2)

Vitah2008
2021-09-24 20:49:00
(-1/2, sqrt(3)/2)

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:49:00
(-1/2, sqrt(3)/2)

cwc28
2021-09-24 20:49:00
(-1/2, sqrt{3}/2)

Suraahi
2021-09-24 20:49:00
(-1/2, √3/2)

Brendangho
2021-09-24 20:49:00
(−1/2, √3/2)

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:49:00
√3
P=(− 2 , )
1

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:49:00
(-1/2, sqrt(3)/2)

Teediv
2021-09-24 20:49:07
(-1/2 , (sqrt3)/2)

Sunshine2016
2021-09-24 20:49:07
(-1/2, √3/2)

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:49:09

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 37/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

1 √3 1 1
The coordinates of P are (− , ) . Notice that the x-coordinate is − rather than since P is to the left of the origin.
2 2 2 2

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:49:20
Finally, what are cos 120∘ and sin 120∘ ? (Make it clear in your answer which is which!)

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:49:57
√3
and cos 120
∘ ∘ 1
sin 120 = = −
2 2

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:49:59
By definition, they are just the coordinates of P :

1
∘
cos 120 = −
2

and

√3
∘
sin 120 = .
2

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:50:08
Make sure you see why this cosine is negative; the x-coordinate of P is negative because P is to the left of the y-axis. And the
cosine is equal to the x-coordinate!

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:50:18
This is generally how we evaluate any trig function: locate the point on the unit circle, use our knowledge of right triangles to find
the coordinates, then make sure we have our signs right.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:50:22
What is sin 90∘ ?

GarudS
2021-09-24 20:50:40
1

Sarah010
2021-09-24 20:50:40
1

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:50:46

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:50:50
When θ = 90∘ in the diagram above, point P is (0, 1). So, sin 90∘ = 1.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:50:54
How about cos 90 ?
∘

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Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:51:42
(Didn't we say that we cannot have both the sine and the cosine of an angle equal 1? )

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:51:50
0

Sunshine2016
2021-09-24 20:51:50
0

GarudS
2021-09-24 20:51:50
0

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:51:50
∘
cos 90 = 0

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:51:50
0

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:51:50
0

Rinnypig
2021-09-24 20:51:50
cos 90 = 0.
∘

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:51:59
Since cosine is the x-coordinate, we have cos 90∘ = 0. And tan 90∘ ?

Teediv
2021-09-24 20:52:24
undefined

cwc28
2021-09-24 20:52:24
undefined

RyanL2019
2021-09-24 20:52:24
undefined

CalvinGarces
2021-09-24 20:52:24
um, undefined

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:52:26
∘
sin 90
We have tan 90 but cos 90 so tan 90 is undefined.
∘ ∘ ∘
= , = 0,
∘
cos 90

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:52:37
How about the cosine, sine, and tangent of 315 degrees (or equivalently, −45 degrees)?

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:52:44
First, why do we get the same thing if we do 315 degrees or −45 degrees?

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:53:33
because -45 degrees is going clockwise while 315 degrees is counterclockwise

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:53:37
Since 315 = 360 − 45, going 315 degrees around the circle is the same as going all the way around the circle once (which just
brings you back where you started) and then going around −45 degrees.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:53:58
To find sine and cosine of 315 degrees, we first notice that 315 is 45 less than 360, so we can build a 45-45-90 triangle OP Q:

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:54:06

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 39/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:54:15
315 degrees is between 270 and 360 degrees, so the angle is in the fourth quadrant (where x is positive and y negative). Our 315

degree angle is highlighted in red.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:54:22
So what are OQ and P Q ?

shenpinyi
2021-09-24 20:55:01
both are sqrt(2)/2

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:55:01
OQ=PQ=1/sqrt(2)

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:55:01
√2
OQ = P Q =
2

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:55:03
√2
From 45 − 45 − 90 triangle OP Q, we have OQ = PQ = . But we have to be careful about our signs in finding the values
2
of the trig functions of 315 . ∘

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:55:09
What do we find for sine and cosine of 315 Make it clear which is which in your answer.
∘
?

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:56:02
sin(315)=-sqrt(2)/2, cos(315)=sqrt(2)/2

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 20:56:02
√2 √2
while sin 315
∘ ∘
cos 315 = = −
2 2

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:56:05
The x-coordinate is positive, so

√2
∘ ∘
cos 315 = OQ = cos 45 = .
2

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:56:14
However,

√2
∘ ∘
sin 315 = −P Q = − sin 45 = − ,
2

where we have the negative sign from the fact that P is below the x-axis.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:56:34

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11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Be very careful about the signs! Stop and think about whether each coordinate is positive or negative.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:56:42
Finally, what about tan 315 ?
∘

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:57:01
-1

Suraahi
2021-09-24 20:57:01
-1

pwr
2021-09-24 20:57:01
-1

Teediv
2021-09-24 20:57:01
-1

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:57:04
∘
sin 315
We have tan 315
∘
= = −1.
∘
cos 315

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:57:11
Remember that you can also think of the tangent as the slope of OP . We can see in our diagram that OP has negative slope, so
we should get a negative value for the tangent!

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:57:20
Patterns

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:57:24
You may have noticed a couple of things at this point. What's the connection between cos θ and cos(−θ) ?

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 20:58:08
They are equal!!

Suraahi
2021-09-24 20:58:08
They're equal

tkubota
2021-09-24 20:58:08
they're equal

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:58:11
That's right! They're always equal. Let's see why:

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:59:33
Suppose you end up at P when you go an angle of θ around the unit circle. Then if you go −θ around the unit circle, you'll end up
at the reflection of P over the x-axis, which will have the same x-coordinate. That means the two cosines are equal:

cos θ = cos(−θ)

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:59:36
How about sin θ and sin(−θ)?

pwr
2021-09-24 20:59:49
oppposite

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 20:59:49
they are opposites

Achilleas
2021-09-24 20:59:54
The two sines are opposite

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:00:09

sin θ = − sin(−θ).

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 41/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:00:12
We can get an intuitive sense for why these relationships hold by looking at the unit circle:

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:00:13

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:00:18
Here, we have 0 < θ < 90 , point C is the point on the unit circle corresponding to angle θ and point D corresponds to −θ.
∘

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:00:27
Because CO = OD, triangle COD is isosceles. The x-axis is the angle bisector of the vertex angle of this isosceles triangle, so
it is also the perpendicular bisector of side CD. Therefore, we have CX = XD, but they are on opposite sides of the x-axis.
This tells us that sin(−θ) = −XD = −XC = − sin(θ).

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:00:37
Since C and D have the same x-coordinate (equal to OX), we have cos θ = cos(−θ).

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:00:47
How about the connection between sin θ and sin(180
∘
− θ) ?

dan09
2021-09-24 21:01:13
Equal!

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 21:01:13
equal

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 21:01:13
∘
sinθ = sin(180 − θ)

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:01:26
Again, they're also equal, this time because the points on the unit circle representing θ and 180 are horizontal reflections
∘
− θ

(that is, reflected over the y-axis) of each other.

How about the cosines?

Sirahulania
2021-09-24 21:02:06
opposites of each other?

AndrewZhong2012
2021-09-24 21:02:06
opposite

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 42/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Suraahi
2021-09-24 21:02:06
Opposites

Wuwuspring
2021-09-24 21:02:06
they are opposite

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:02:08
The cosines are opposites.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:02:10
∘
cos θ = − cos(180 − θ),
∘
sin θ = sin(180 − θ).

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:02:14
As with the x-axis reflection, we can get an intuitive understanding for why these relationships are true by looking at the unit
circle:

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:02:16

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:02:22
Here, we have 0 < θ < 90 , point C is the point on the unit circle corresponding to angle θ and point D corresponds to 180
∘ ∘
− θ.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:02:33
When we build the right triangles shown, we have
∘ ∘ ∘
∠DOY = 180 − ∠DOA = 180 − (180 − θ) = θ.

Since OD = OC (as both are radii), and ∠DOY = ∠COX then, by AAS we see that △ODY ≅ △OCX . Therefore, we have
DY = CX, which tells us that the sines of the two angles are equal.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:02:42
We also have Y O = OX, but Y and X are on opposite sides of the origin, so the cosines are opposites.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:02:49
That is, cos(180∘ − θ) = − cos θ.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:02:57
(In general, I haven't memorized these identities. I always just think of the unit circle, and then they're obvious.)

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:03:06
https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 43/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry
Summary

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:03:12
This class was an introduction to trigonometry, which is a sufficiently rich field that you'll spend weeks, if not months, studying
trigonometry later in your study of mathematics! Indeed, most typical curricula would have spent at least a few weeks just
studying what we learned today.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:03:20
We started by defining trigonometric functions of acute angles in terms of sides of a right triangle:

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:03:21

adjacent leg
cos A = ,
hypotenuse

opposite leg
sin A = ,
hypotenuse

opposite leg
tan A = ,
adjacent leg

hypotenuse
sec A = ,
adjacent leg

hypotenuse
csc A = ,
opposite leg

 and 

adjacent leg
cot A = .
opposite leg

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:03:29
We used our knowledge of special right triangles to find some values of trig functions of specific special angles:

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:03:30

1
∘
sin 30 = ,
2

√3
∘
cos 30 = ,
2

√3
∘
tan 30 = ,
3

√2
∘
sin 45 = ,
2

√2
∘
cos 45 = ,
2
∘
tan 45 = 1,

√3
∘
sin 60 = ,
2
1
∘
cos 60 = ,
2

 and 
∘
tan 60 = √3.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:03:42
We then used the unit circle to extend our definitions of the trig functions to any angle.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:03:43

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 44/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:03:54
Specifically, to evaluate cos θ and sin θ, we let point P be the image of rotating the point (1, 0) counterclockwise an angle of θ
about the origin. Then, we define cos θ to be the x-coordinate of P and sin θ to be the y-coordinate of P .

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:04:02
We also found a few identities that trig functions satisfy, such as:

2 2
sin θ + cos θ = 1,

cos θ = cos(−θ),

sin θ = − sin(−θ),

∘
cos θ = − cos(180 − θ),

 and 
∘
sin θ = sin(180 − θ).

Sunshine2016
2021-09-24 21:04:12
how do we find a function of a not neat number? just use a calculator?

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:04:52
It depends on what you mean by "not neat". If you mean 33∘ , for example, then you should use a calculator.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:05:20
Trigonometry is ....huge. By the way, if you are interested in the history of trigonometry, see Trigonometric Delights

by Eli Maor.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:05:34
Thank you all!

cwc28
2021-09-24 21:05:45
are we allowed to use calculators on the homework?

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:06:06
Yes, unless it specifically says not to do so.

Achilleas
2021-09-24 21:06:18
Have a wonderful week and see you next time.

https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 45/46
11/22/21, 9:12 PM 2689 Introduction to Geometry

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https://artofproblemsolving.com/class/2689-intro-geometry/transcript/40750 46/46