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Introduction To Trigonometry

This document provides an introduction to trigonometry and its applications to right triangles and oblique triangles. It begins by explaining right triangle trigonometry and the trigonometric functions of acute angles. It then gives examples of using trig functions to find missing side lengths and angle measures in right triangles. Next, it discusses inverse trig functions and applications to problems involving angles of elevation and depression. It introduces the Law of Sines for solving for unknown sides and angles in oblique triangles, providing sample problems. Finally, it reviews how to solve problems in oblique triangles.

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Joshua Cuarteros
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242 views20 pages

Introduction To Trigonometry

This document provides an introduction to trigonometry and its applications to right triangles and oblique triangles. It begins by explaining right triangle trigonometry and the trigonometric functions of acute angles. It then gives examples of using trig functions to find missing side lengths and angle measures in right triangles. Next, it discusses inverse trig functions and applications to problems involving angles of elevation and depression. It introduces the Law of Sines for solving for unknown sides and angles in oblique triangles, providing sample problems. Finally, it reviews how to solve problems in oblique triangles.

Uploaded by

Joshua Cuarteros
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Introduction to

Trigonometry
Trigonometric Functions of an
Acute Angle
The study of trigonometry, a term that
comes from two Greek words meaning
“triangle measurement,” began about
2000 years ago, partially as a means of
solving surveying problems such as the
one above.
In this section, we will examine right
triangle trigonometry—that is,
trigonometry that applies only to right
triangles.
Trigonometric Functions of an
Acute Angle
Sample Problem:
Find the Value of Trigonometric
Function
For the right triangle at the right, find the
values of and
Sample Problem:
Find the Length of a Side of a Triangle
For the right triangle shown, find the
length of sides a and b. Round to the
nearest hundredth of a meter.
Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Sometimes it is necessary to find one of the acute
angles in a right triangle.
Sample Problem:
Find the Measure of an Angle in a Right
Triangle
For the right triangle shown, find the measure
of Round to the nearest tenth of a degree.
Angle of Elevation and
Depression
The use of trigonometry is necessary in a variety of
situations. One application, called line-of-sight
problems, concerns an observer looking at an object.
Angles of elevation and depression are measured
with respect to a horizontal line.
If the object being sighted is above the observer, the
acute angle formed by the line of sight and the
horizontal line is an angle of elevation.
If the object being sighted is below the observer, the
acute angle formed by the line of sight and the
horizontal line is an angle of depression.
Sample Problem:
Solve an Angle of Elevation Problem
The angle of elevation of the top of a
flagpole 62 feet away is 32 Find the height
of the flagpole. Round to the nearest tenth
of a foot.
Sample Problem:
Solve an Angle of Depression Problem
The angle of depression from the top of a
lighthouse that is 20 meters high to a boat
on the water is 25 How far is the boat from
the base of the lighthouse? Round to the
nearest tenth of a meter.
Law of Sines
We have learned to use the trigonometric
ratios to solve right triangles.
But the trig ratios are only valid for the
sides of right triangles.
Can we find unknown sides or angles in an
oblique triangle?
Law of Sines
Sample Problem
Two observers onshore sight a ship
at an unknown distance from the
shore. The observers are 400 yards
apart at points A and B, and they
each measure the angle from the
shoreline to the ship, as shown
below. How far is the ship from the
observer at A?
Sample Problem
Delbert and Francine are 40 feet apart
on one side of a river. They make angle
measurements to a pine tree on the
opposite shore as shown at right. What
is the distance from Francine to the pine
tree?
Sample Problem
Richard wants to measure the height of a
castle controlled by hostile forces. When
he is as
close as he can get to the castle, the
angle of elevation to the top of the wall
is 18:5◦. He then retreats 20 yards and
measures the angle of elevation again;
this time it is 15:9◦. How tall is the
castle?
Law of Cosines
Sample Problem:
The sailing club leaves the marina on a
heading 15◦ east of north and sails for 18
miles. They then change course, and after
traveling for 12 miles on a heading 35◦ east
of north, they
experience engine trouble and radio for
help. The marina sends a speed boat to
rescue them. How far should the speed boat
go, and on what heading?
How to Solve Oblique Triangle
Thank You
for Listening

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