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FUNCTIONS
Trigonometric Functions of Acute
Angles
Let us consider the right triangle ABC,
with right angle at C. Angles A and B are
acute angles which are complementary
(A + B = 90°). The sides opposite angles
A, B, and C will be denoted by the
corresponding small letters a, b, and c,
respectively. Then by taking ratios of the
sides of the triangle, we define the three
trigonometric functions of acute angle A
as follows:
sine A =
cosine A =
tangent A =
By using the abbreviations of the three
trigonometric functions and the
corresponding sides of the triangle with
reference to angle A, the
corresponding equations are:
sine A = sin A =
cosine A = cos A =
tangent A = tan A =
The other three trigonometric functions that
can be derived from triangle ABC are as
follows with the corresponding
abbreviations.
cosecant A = csc A =
secant A = sec A =
cotangent A = cot A =
In summary, acute angles (angle A & angle
B) are the reference angles of the right
triangle:
We use the symbol θ (Greek letter “theta”)
for these acute angles or capital letters A
or B. Thus, θ = A or θ = B.
sin θ = sin A = csc θ = csc A =
cos θ = cos A = sec θ = sec A =
tan θ = tan A = cot θ = cot A =
You can use mnemonics!
S ohC ahT oa
S oh sin θ =
C ah cos θ =
T oa tan θ =
You can use mnemonics!
C hoS ha C ao
C ho csc θ =
S ha sec θ =
C ao cot θ =
It will be noted that the first three functions
are the reciprocals of the other three, thus
we may write:
sin θ = csc θ =
cos θ = sec θ =
tan θ = cot θ =
A S T C - All Students Take Calculus!
A S T C - All Silly Trig Classes!
Examples
1. The terminal side of angle θ, in standard
position, passes through the point P(–3, 4).
Draw θ and find the values of the six
trigonometric functions of θ.
2. Let θ be an angle in standard position. Given
cos θ = . Find the other trigonometric
function values if the terminal side is in the
fourth quadrant.
Reference Angle
The trigonometric function values of any
angle θ can be determined by knowing the
function values of acute angles (an angle
having positive radian measure less than or
less than 90°). The procedure involves the
concept of a reference angle.
Reference angle – is defined as the smallest
positive acute angle θ associated with a non-
quadrantal angle in standard position formed
by the terminal side and the x-axis.
Reference Angles
To find the reference angle θ’ of an angle θ (given angle)
with positive rotation and whose measure is less than 360° or
2π, the following diagrams illustrate the relationship between
θ and θ’ in each of the four quadrants. In this case, θ = A.
The following table summarizes how to find the
reference angle if the given angle θ < 360°.
If the given
angle θ is in Reference angle θ’ is
quadrant
(Degrees) (Radians)
I θ θ
II 180° - θ π-θ
III θ - 180° θ-π
To find the reference angle for an angle with
negative measures or for an angle greater
than 360°, first find a coterminal angle whose
measure is between 0° and 360°. Then, use
the appropriate formula summarized in the
given table.
Examples
Given θ is an angle in standard position. Find
the measure of its reference angles θ’.
1. 250°
2. 330°
3. 125° 45’
Exercises
I. In which quadrants do tan θ and sin θ have
opposite signs?
II. The terminal side of an angle α in standard
position passes through the point M(-3, -3). Find
the trigonometric functions of α.
III. Given θ is an angle in standard position. Find
the measure of its reference angle.
1. –120°
2. 470°
Do Worksheet 4