TRIGONOMETRY

Angles, Trigonometric Functions and the Right Triangle

• As derived from the Greek Language, the word trigonometry means
“measurement of triangles.”

• Initially, trigonometry dealt with relationships among the sides and

angles of triangles and was used in the development of astronomy,
navigation, and surveying.
• With the development of Calculus and the physical
sciences in the 17th Century, a different perspective
arose – one that viewed the classic trigonometric
relationships as functions with the set of real numbers
as their domain.

• Consequently the applications expanded to include

physical phenomena involving rotations and
vibrations, including sound waves, light rays,
planetary orbits, vibrating strings, pendulums, and
orbits of atomic particles.
• We will explore both perspectives beginning with
angles and their measures…..

• An angle is determined by rotating a ray about its

endpoint.

• The starting position of called the initial side. The

ending position is called the terminal side.
ANGLES
 n d
a
e s
g l
A n
Their Measure
 An angle is formed by joining the endpoints
of two half-lines called rays.
The side you measure to is called the terminal side.
Angles measured counterclockwise are given a
positive sign and angles measured clockwise are
given a negative sign.

i de Positive Angle
S
al
in This is a
r m counterclockwise
Negative Angle Te
rotation.
This is a clockwise
rotation. Initial Side

The side you measure from is called the initial side.

 It’s Greek To Me!
It is customary to use small letters in the Greek alphabet to symbolize
angle measurement.

  
alpha beta gamma

 
theta  delta
phi
 We can use a coordinate system with angles by putting the initial side
along the positive x-axis with the vertex at the origin.

Quadrant II
Quadrant I angle

ide
angle

lS
 positive

ina
rm
Te
 negative Initial Side

If the terminal side is along an axis it Quadrant IV

is called a quadrantal angle. angle

We say the angle lies in whatever quadrant the terminal side lies in.
We will be using two different units of measure when talking
about angles: Degrees and Radians

If we start with the initial side and go all of the way around
 = 360° in a counterclockwise direction we have 360 degrees

 = 90°
If we went 1/4 of the way in a
clockwise direction the angle would
measure -90°
You are probably already familiar
with a right angle that measures 1/4
of the way around or 90°
 = - 90°

Let’s talk about degrees first. You are probably already somewhat familiar
with degrees.
 What is the measure of this angle?

You could measure in the positive direction and go

 = - 360° + 45° around another rotation which would be another 360°

 = - 315°
 = 45°

You could measure in the positive direction

 = 360° + 45° = 405°

You could measure in the negative direction

There are many ways to express the given angle. Whichever way you
express it, it is still a Quadrant I angle since the terminal side is in
Quadrant I.
 If the angle is not exactly to the next degree it can be expressed as a
decimal (most common in math) or in degrees, minutes and seconds
(common in surveying and some navigation).

1 degree = 60 minutes 1 minute = 60 seconds

 = 25°48'30"
degrees seconds
minutes

To convert to decimal form use conversion fractions. These are fractions

where the numerator = denominator but two different units. Put unit on top
you want to convert to and put unit on bottom you want to get rid of.

30"  1'
Let's convert the
seconds to minutes = 0.5'
60"
 1 degree = 60 minutes 1 minute = 60 seconds

 = 25°48'30" = 25°48.5' = 25.808°

Now let's use another conversion fraction to get rid of minutes.

48.5'  1 = .808°
60'
Another way to measure angles is using what is called radians.

Given a circle of radius r with the vertex of an angle as the center of the circle,
if the arc length formed by intercepting the circle with the sides of the angle is
the same length as the radius r, the angle measures one radian.

e
id
ls
a
in
rm
arc length is also r

te
r r

r initial side

This angle measures 1

radian
radius of circle is r
 Arc length s of a circle is found with the following formula:

IMPORTANT: ANGLE MEASURE MUST

s = r BE IN RADIANS TO USE FORMULA!

arc length radius measure of angle

Find the arc length if we have a circle with a radius of 3 meters and central
angle of 0.52 radian.

arc length to find is in black

 = 0.52

3
s = r30.52 = 1.56 m

What if we have the measure of the angle in degrees? We can't use the formula
until we convert to radians, but how?
 We need a conversion from degrees to radians. We could use a
conversion fraction if we knew how many degrees equaled how many
radians.

If we look at one revolution around

s = r
Let's start with the the circle, the arc length would be the
arc length formula circumference. Recall that
circumference of a circle is 2r

cancel the r's

2 r = r 
2 =  This tells us that the radian
measure all the way around is 2.
All the way around in degrees is
360°.
2  radians = 360°
 2  radians = 360°  radians = 180°
Convert 30° to radians using a conversion fraction.
The fraction can be reduced by 2.
30°  2 radians This would be a simpler
conversion fraction.
360
180°
 Can leave with  or use  button on your
= radians  0.52 calculator for decimal.
6
Convert /3 radians to degrees using a conversion fraction.

 180
radians  = 60°
3  radians
 Area of a Sector of a Circle
The formula for the area of a sector of a
 circle (shown in red here) is derived in
your textbook. It is:
r

Again  must be in RADIANS so if it is in

1 2
degrees you must convert to radians to
use the formula. A r 
2
Find the area of the sector if the radius is 3 feet and  = 50°
 radians 1 2
50  = 0.873 radians A   3 0.837 
180 2
 3.77 sq ft
 A Sense of Angle Sizes
See if you can guess the size
of these angles first in degrees
 
45  and then in radians.
60 
4 3
2
 120  180  
30  3
6

 5
90  150 3
6 135
2 4

You will be working so much with these angles, you should know them in
both degrees and radians.
 Find the measure of the angle formed by the
hands of a clock at 5:15.
• The hour hand is on 5 only when the minute
hand is on 12.
• How far will the hour hand be away from 5
when it is 5:15?
• It will be ¼ of the way between the 5 and the
6.
• How many degrees is that?
• There are 360º in the clock. Every 5 minutes
has how many degrees? 30º
• ¼ of 30 is 7.5º
• How many “5 minute” intervals do you need
to add to that? 2 intervals for a total of 60º.
• The angle measure of 5:15 is 67.5º.
Coterminal Angles
• Angles that have the same initial and terminal side. See the examples
below.
Coterminal Angles
They have the same initial and terminal sides.

Determine 2 coterminal angles, one

positive and one negative for a 60
degree angle.

60 

60 + 360 = 420 degrees

60 – 360 = -300 degrees

Give 2 coterminal angles.

30

30 + 360 = 390 degrees

30 – 360 = -330 degrees

Give a coterminal angle, one
positive and one negative.

230

230 + 360 = 590 degrees

230 – 360 = -130 degrees

Give a coterminal angle, one
positive and one negative.

20

-20 + 360 = 340 degrees

-20 – 360 = -380 degrees

Give a coterminal angle, one
positive and one negative.

460
Good but
460 + 360 = 820 degrees not best
answer.

460 – 360 = 100 degrees

100 – 360 = -260 degrees
 Example 2A: Finding Coterminal Angles

Find the measures of a positive angle and a

negative angle that are coterminal with each
given angle.

 = 65°
65° + 360° = 425° Add 360° to find a positive
coterminal angle.
65° – 360° = –295° Subtract 360° to find a
negative coterminal angle.
Angles that measure 425° and –295° are
coterminal with a 65° angle.
 Check It Out! Example 2a

Find the measures of a positive angle and a

negative angle that are coterminal with each
given angle.
 = 88°

88° + 360° = 448° Add 360° to find a positive

coterminal angle.
88° – 360° = –272° Subtract 360° to find a
negative coterminal angle.
Angles that measure 448° and –272° are
coterminal with an 88° angle.
 Check It Out! Example 2c

Find the measures of a positive angle and a

negative angle that are coterminal with each
given angle.
 = –120°
–120° + 360° = 240° Add 360° to find a positive
coterminal angle.
–120° – 360° = –480° Subtract 360° to find a
negative coterminal angle.
Angles that measure 240° and –480° are
coterminal with a –120° angle.
Complementary Angles
Sum of the angles is 90

Find the complement of each angles:

40 120
40 + x = 90 No Complement!

x = 50 degrees
Supplementary Angles
Sum of the angles is 180

Find the supplement of each angles:

40 120
40 + x = 180 120 + x = 180

x = 140 degrees x = 60 degrees

Coterminal Angles: Angle  360

To find a Complementary Angle:

90  Angle

To find a Supplementary Angle:

180  Angle
 Radians
3 
radians radians
4 4

3.14 rad  6.28 rad 

5 7
radians radians
4 4
Look at the Quadrants
Determine the Quadrant of the terminal side of each
given angle.


Q1
3
7
12
2
 Go a little more than one quadrant – negative. Q3
3
371 A little more than one revolution. Q1
Determine the Quadrant of the terminal side of each
given angle.

14
5
156 Q3

9
8
240 Q2

1000 2 Rev + 280 degrees. Q4

Coterminal Angles using Radians
•
Find a coterminal angle.
•

There are an infinite number of coterminal angles!

Give a coterminal angle, one
positive and one negative.

13
4
Give a coterminal angle, one
positive and one negative.


5
Find the complement of each angles:

2
5
Find the supplement of each angles:

2
5
Find the complement & supplement of
each angles, if possible:

2
3
None
Reference Angles
 Reference Angles

The values of the trigonometric functions of angles greater than 90 (or
less than 0) can be determined from their values at corresponding
acute angles called reference angles.

𝜃’ 𝜃
 Reference Angles

The reference angles for  in Quadrants II, III, and IV are shown below.

 ′ =  –  (radians)  ′ =  –  (radians)  ′ = 2 –  (radians)

 ′ = 180 –   ′ =  – 180 (degrees)  ′ = 360 – 
(degrees) (degrees)
 Example – Finding Reference Angles

Find the reference angle  ′.

a.  = 300

b.  = 2.3

c.  = –135
 Example (a) – Solution

Because 300 lies in Quadrant IV, the angle it makes

with the x-axis is

 ′ = 360 – 300 Degrees

= 60.

The figure shows the angle  = 300

and its reference angle  ′ = 60.
 Example (b) – Solution cont’d

Because 2.3 lies between  /2  1.5708 and   3.1416,

it follows that it is in Quadrant II and its reference angle is

 ′ =  – 2.3 Radians

 0.8416.

The figure shows the angle  = 2.3

and its reference angle  ′ =  – 2.3.
 Example (c) – Solution cont’d

First, determine that –135 is coterminal with 225, which

lies in Quadrant III. So, the reference angle is

 ′ = 225 – 180 Degrees

= 45.

The figure shows the angle

 = –135 and its reference
angle  ′ = 45.
Reference Angles
When your angle is negative or is greater than one
revolution, to find the reference angle, first find the
positive coterminal angle between 0° and 360° or 0
and 2𝜋.
Your Turn:
Find the reference angle for each of the following.

  
1. 213° 213  180  33

2. 1.7 rad   1.7  1.44

3. −144° -144 ̊ is coterminal to 216 ̊

216 ̊ - 180 ̊ = 36 ̊
TRIGONOMETRIC
FUNCTIONS
ANGLES
First let’s look at the three basic trigonometric functions

SINE (x, y)
COSINE r

hy
TANGENT 

po
te
nu
2 2
r x y

se
They are abbreviated using their first 3 letters

Let’s look at an angle  in standard position whose

terminal side contains the point (x, y).

Let r be the distance from the origin to the point (x, y).
r can be found using the distance formula.
The three basic trigonometric functions are defined as follows:

y x y
sin   cos   tan  
r r x
 There are three more trig functions. They are called the
reciprocal functions because they are reciprocals of the first
three functions. Oh yeah, this
means to flip the
Like the first three trig functions, these are referred to by fraction over.
the first three letters except for cosecant since it's first
three letters are the same as for cosine.
y r r
sin   cosecant   csc  
r y y
x r r
cos  secant   sec  
r x x
x x
y cotangent   cot  
tan  y y
x
Best way to remember these is learn which is the reciprocal of which and flip them
over.
Based on the fact that these 3 trig functions are reciprocals of
the three basic ones, they are called the reciprocal identities.

RECIPROCAL IDENTITIES
1 1 1
csc   sec   cot  
sin  cos  tan 
 Find the values of the six trigonometric functions of the angle  in
standard position whose terminal side passes through the point (4, -
5)
 4    5  41
2 2
r
Often the
preferred way to
leave the answer

is with a
rationalized
denominator
41r
(4, -5)
y 5 41 5 41 r 41
sin       csc    
r 41 41 41 y 5
x 4 41 4 41 r 41
cos     sec   
r 41 41 41 x 4
y 5 x 4
tan    cot   
x 4 y 5
An angle whose terminal side is on an axis is called a quadrantal angle.
(0, 1)
A 90° angle is a quadrantal angle. To
find the trig functions of 90°, choose a 1
point on the terminal side. 90°

y 1 r 1
sin     1 csc    1
r 1 y 1

x 0 r 1
cos    0 sec     undefined
r 1 x 0

y 1 x 0
tan    undefined cot    0
x 0 y 1
To fill in the following table of quadrantal angles use the graph below. Start with 0° going
down. Figure out the answer and then click the mouse to see if you are right.
y r
sin   (0, 1) csc  
r y
x r
cos  sec  
r x
y (-1, 0) (1, 0)
tan  x
x (0, -1) cot  
y

? ? ? ? ?
? ? ? ? ?
? ? ? ? ?
? ? ? ? ?
? ? ? ? ?
? ? ? ? ?
 All trig In quadrant I both the x and
functions y values are positive so all
positive trig functions will be positive

 Let's look at the signs of sine, cosine

and tangent in the other quadrants.
Reciprocal functions will have the same
sign as the original since "flipping" a
sin is + fraction over doesn't change its sign.
cos is -
tan is -
In quadrant II x is negative
and y is positive.

We can see from this that any trig function that
requires the x value will then have a negative sign
on it.
 In quadrant III, x is negative
and y is negative.
The r is always positive so if we have
either x or y with hypotenuse we'll get
 a negative. If we have both x and y the
negatives will cancel
sin is -
cos is -
tan is +

In quadrant IV, x is positive and

y is negative .

So any functions using y will be
sin is - negative.
cos is +
tan is -
 To help
remember
sin is + All trig S A
these signs
cos is - functions
we look at
tan is - positive
what trig T C
sin is - sin is - functions
cos is - cos is + are positive
tan is + tan is - in each
quadrant.

Here is a mnemonic to Students All

help you remember.
(start in Quad I and go
counterclockwise) Take Calculus
Computing the Values of Trig
Functions of Acute Angles

S
P
G
E
N

C
SI

IA
U

L
TRIANGLES
 The 45-45-90 Triangle
In a 45-45-90 triangle the sides are in a ratio of 1- 1- 2
This means I can build a triangle with these lengths for sides
(or any multiple of these lengths) (1, 1)
We can then find the six trig functions
of 45° using this triangle. 45°
1 2
sin 45   rationalized 2
2 2 1
1 2 45° 90°
cos 45  
2 2
You can "flip" these
1
1
tan 45   1 to get other 3 trig
1 functions
You are expected to know exact values for trig functions of 45°. You
can get them by drawing the triangle and using sides.

What is the radian equivalent of 45°?
4
You also know all the trig functions
for /4 then.
45°

2 2
sec   2 1
4 1
reciprocal of cos 45° 90°

1 1
tan  1
4 1
 The 30-60-90 Triangle side opp 60°

In a 30-60-90 triangle the sides are in a ratio of 1- 3 - 2

side opp 30° side opp 90°
This means I can build a triangle with these lengths for sides
We can then find trig functions of 60° using this triangle.

1, 3 
sin 60  3 30°
2 2
cos 60 
1 3
2
60° 90°
3 1
tan 60   3
1
 The 30-60-90 Triangle side opp 60°

In a 30-60-90 triangle the sides are in a ratio of 1- 3 - 2

side opp 30° side opp 90°
We can draw the triangle so the 30° angle is at the bottom.
We can then find trig functions of 30° using this triangle.

sin 30 
1  3,1 
2
2 60°
3
cos 30  1
2
30° 90°
1 3
tan 30   3
3 3
What this means is that if you memorize the special triangles, then
you can find all of the trig functions of 45°, 30°, and 60° which are
common ones you need to know.

You also can find the radian equivalents of these angles.

  
45  30  60 
4 6 3

When directions say "Find the exact value", you must know
these values not a decimal approximation that your calculator
gives you.
Here is a table of sines and cosines for common angles. You
can get these by drawing the special triangles, but notice the
pattern.
 Using a Calculator to Find Values of
Trig Functions
If we wanted sin 38° we could not use the
previous methods to find it because we don't
know the lengths of sides of a triangle with a
38° angle. We will then use our calculator to
approximate the value.

You can simply use the sin button on the

calculator followed by (38) to find the sin
38°

A word to the wise: Always make sure your calculator is in the right
mode for the type of angle you have (degrees or radians). If there is
not a degree symbol then you know the angle is in radians.
Using a Calculator to Find Values of
Reciprocal Trig Functions

If we wanted csc (/5) we use our calculator

to approximate the value remembering that
cosecant is the reciprocal function of sine so
is
1 over sine.

You can simply put in 1 divided by sin

followed by (/5 ) to find the csc /5

Make sure you are in radian mode and

that you put the /5 in parenthesis.
THE RIGHT TRIANGLE
Right Triangle Trigonometry
Trigonometry is based upon ratios of the sides of right triangles.
The ratio of sides in triangles with the same angles is consistent. The
size of the triangle does not matter because the triangles are similar
(same shape different size).

74
 The six trigonometric functions of a right triangle,
with an acute angle , are defined by ratios of two
sides of the triangle.
hyp
opp

The sides of the right triangle are: θ

adj
 the side opposite the acute angle ,

 the side adjacent to the acute angle ,

 and the hypotenuse of the right triangle.

75
 hyp
The trigonometric functions are opp
θ
adj
sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant, and cosecant.
opp adj = opp
sin  = cos  = tan
hyp hyp adj

csc  =hyp sec  = hyp =

cot adj
opp adj opp

Note: sine and cosecant are reciprocals, cosine and secant are reciprocals,
and tangent and cotangent are reciprocals.
76
Reciprocal Functions
Another way to look at it…

sin  = 1/csc  csc  = 1/sin 

cos  = 1/sec  sec  = 1/cos 
tan  = 1/cot  cot  = 1/tan 

77
Given 2 sides of a right triangle you should be able to
find the value of all 6 trigonometric functions.
Example:

5

12

78
Calculate the trigonometric functions for  .
Calculate the trigonometric functions for .
5 
The six trig ratios are 4
4 3
sin  =
5
sin α = 
5
3 4 3
cos  = cos α =
5 5
4 3 What is the
tan  = tan α =
3 4 relationship of
3
cot  = 4 α and θ?
4 cot α =
3
5 5 They are
sec  = sec α =
3 4 complementary
5 5 (α = 90 – θ)
csc  = csc α =
4 3
79
 Note sin  = cos(90  ), for 0 <  < 90

Note that  and 90  are complementary

angles.
hyp
Side a is opposite θ and also 90○– θ a
adjacent to 90○– θ . θ
b
a a
sin  = and cos (90  ) = .
hyp hyp
So, sin  = cos (90  ).
Note : These functions of the complements are called cofunctions.

80
Cofunctions
sin  = cos (90  ) cos  = sin (90  )
sin  = cos (π/2  ) cos  = sin (π/2  )

tan  = cot (90  ) cot  = tan (90  )

tan  = cot (π/2  ) cot  = tan (π/2  )

sec  = csc (90  ) csc  = sec (90  )

sec  = csc (π/2  ) csc  = sec (π/2  )

81
Trigonometric Identities are trigonometric
equations that hold for all values of the variables.

We will learn many Trigonometric Identities and use

them to simplify and solve problems.

82
Quotient Identities hyp
opp
θ
adj
opp
sin  = opp cos  = tanadj =
hyp hyp adj
opp
sin  hyp opp hyp opp
     tan 
cos  adj hyp adj adj
hyp
The same argument can be made for cot… since it is the
reciprocal function of tan.
83
Quotient Identities

sin  cos 
tan   cot  
cos  sin 

84
Pythagorean Identities
Three additional identities that we will use are those related to the
Pythagorean Theorem:

Pythagorean Identities
sin2  + cos2  = 1
tan2  + 1 = sec2 
cot2  + 1 = csc2 

85
Some old geometry favorites…
Let’s look at the trigonometric functions of a few familiar triangles…

86
Geometry of the 45-45-90 triangle

Consider an isosceles right triangle with two sides of

length 1.

2 45
1 12  12  2
45
1

The Pythagorean Theorem implies that the hypotenuse

is of length 2 .

87
Calculate the trigonometric functions for a 45 angle.

2
1
45
1
opp 1 2 adj 1 2
sin 45 = = = cos 45 = = =
hyp 2 2 hyp 2 2

opp 1 adj 1
tan 45 = = = 1 cot 45 = = = 1
adj 1 opp 1
hyp 2 hyp 2
sec 45 = = = 2 csc 45 = = = 2
adj 1 opp 1

88
Geometry of the 30-60-90 triangle
Consider an equilateral triangle with
each side of length 2. 30○ 30○

The three sides are equal, so the

2 2
angles are equal; each is 60. 3

The perpendicular bisector

of the base bisects the 60○ 60○

opposite angle. 1 1
2
Use the Pythagorean Theorem to
find the length of the altitude, 3 .
89
Calculate the trigonometric functions for a 30 angle.

2 1

30
3
opp 1 adj 3
sin 30 = = cos 30 = =
hyp 2 hyp 2

opp 1 3 adj 3
tan 30 = = = cot 30 = = =3
adj 3 3 opp 1

hyp 2 2 3 hyp 2
sec 30 = = = csc 30 = = = 2
adj 3 3 opp 1

90
Calculate the trigonometric functions for a 60 angle.

2
3

60○

1
opp 3 adj 1
sin 60 = = cos 60 = =
hyp 2 hyp 2

opp 3 adj 1 3
tan 60 = = =3 cot 60 = = =
adj 1 opp 3 3
hyp 2 hyp 2 2 3
sec 60 = = = 2 csc 60 = = =
adj 1 opp 3 3

91
Some basic trig values
Sine Cosine Tangent

300 1 3 3
/6 2 2 3
450 2 2 1
/4 2 2
600 3 1 3
/3 2 2

92
Identities we have reviewed so
far…

93
 Fundamental Trigonometric Identities
Reciprocal Identities
sin  = 1/csc  cos  = 1/sec  tan  = 1/cot 
cot  = 1/tan  sec  = 1/cos  csc  = 1/sin 
Co function Identities
sin  = cos(90  ) cos  = sin(90  )
sin  = cos (π/2  ) cos  = sin (π/2  )
tan  = cot(90  ) cot  = tan(90  )
tan  = cot (π/2  ) cot  = tan (π/2  )
sec  = csc(90  ) csc  = sec(90  )
sec  = csc (π/2  ) csc  = sec (π/2  )

Quotient Identities
tan  = sin  /cos  cot  = cos  /sin 
Pythagorean Identities
sin2  + cos2  = 1 tan2  + 1 = sec2  cot2  + 1 = csc2 
94
Example: Given sec  = 4, find the values of the
other five trigonometric functions of  .
Draw a right triangle with an angle  such
hyp 4 4 15
that 4 = sec  = = .
adj 1
θ
Use the Pythagorean Theorem to solve
1
for the third side of the triangle.
15 1 4
sin  = csc  = =
4 sin  15
1 1
cos  = sec  = =4
4 cos 
1
tan  = 15 = 15 cot  =
1 15
95
THE UNIT CIRCLE
Let’s think back to Geometry…
…and the special right triangles

a a 2
2a
a 3 45
60
a a
Now, let’s apply it to the unit circle…

What does “unit circle” really mean?

It’s a circle with a radius of 1 unit.

What is the equation of the “unit circle”?

x  y 1
2 2
 

0,1 2

 , 180 0, 0 1,0 
2 , 360
-1,0 

3
0, -1
2
Let’s begin with an easy family… 
4 What are the coordinates?

 
2
 2 2
,
4 2 2

1
2
2
 , 180 45 0, 0
2 2 , 360

3
2

Now, reflect the triangle to the second quadrant…

 What are the coordinates?

   
2
2 2  2 2
- , 3 ,
2 2 4 2 2
4
1 1
2 2
2 2
 , 180 45 0, 0
2 2 , 360
2
-
2 2

3
2

Now, reflect the triangle to the third quadrant…

 

   
2
2 2  2 2
- , 3 ,
2 2 4 2 2
4
1 1
2 2
2 2
 , 180 45 0, 0
2 2 , 360
2
-
2 2
What are the coordinates?

 -
2
2
, -
2
2  5
4 3
2

Now, reflect the triangle to the fourth quadrant…

 

   
2
2 2  2 2
- , 3 ,
2 2 4 2 2
4
1 1
2 2
2 2
 , 180 45 0, 0
2 2 , 360 
2
-
2 2 What are the coordinates?

   
5 7 2 2
2 2
- , - 4 4 , -
2 2 3
2 2
2
Complete the family… . 
6

6
 3
2
,
1
2

1 1
30 2
3
2

Now, reflect the triangle to the second

quadrant.
 -
3 1
,
2 2  5

6
 3
2
,
1
2

6
1
1 1
2 30 2
3 3
-
2 2

Now, reflect the triangle to the third quadrant.

  -
3 1
,
2 2  5

6
 3
2
,
1
2

6
1
1 1
2 30 2
3 3
What are the coordinates? -
2 2
7

 -
2
3
, -
1
2  6

Now, reflect the triangle to the fourth quadrant.

 -
3 1
,
2 2  5

6
 3
2
,
1
2

6
1
1 1
2 30 2
3 3
-
2

 
2
7 3 1

 
, -
3 1
6 11 2 2
- , -
2 2
6 What are the coordinates?
 Let’s look at another “family” 
3

 

1 3
2 
,
3 2 2

1 3
2
 , 180 60 0, 0
1 2 , 360

3
2
Now, reflect the triangle to the second quadrant
 What are the

 

coordinates? 1 3
2 

 
2 ,
1 3 2 2
3
- , 3
2 2

1
3 1 3
2 2
 , 180 60 0, 0
1 1 2 , 360
-
2 2

3
2

Now, reflect the triangle to the third quadrant

  

1 3
2 

 
,
1 3 2 3 2 2
- ,
2 2 3

3 1
1 3
2 2
 , 180 60 0, 0
1 1 2 , 360
-
2 2
What are the
coordinates?

 -
1
2
, -
2
3
 4
3
3
2

Now, reflect the triangle to the fourth quadrant

  

1 3
2 

 
,
1 3 2 3 2 2
- ,
2 2 3

3 1
1 3
2 2
 , 180 60 0, 0
1 1 2 , 360
-
2 2

What are the

coordinates?

 -
1
2
, -
2
3
 4
3
3
2
5
3
 1
2
, -
2
3

Evaluate the six trigonometric functions at each real number.
 1 3 
2  ,
 2 2 

  

 2  3
Sin   =y 
 3  2
 2  1
Cos   =x 
 3 
2

 2  y 3 1 3 2
Tan 
 3 
        3
x 2 2 2 1
Evaluate the six trigonometric functions at each real number.
 1 3 
2  ,
 2 2 

  

 2  3  2  2 3 2 3
Sin    Csc    
 3  2  3  3 3 3
 2  1  2 
Cos    Sec   -2
 3   3 
2

 2   2 1 3
Tan    3 Cot 

  3
 3    
 3   3 3 3
Evaluate the six trigonometric functions at each real number.



2 (0, -1)

   =y = -1     = -1
Sin   Csc  
 2   2 

   = x = 0    1 DNE
Cos   Sec    
 2   2  0

y 1    0
   Cot    =0
Tan    
0
 DNE
 2  1
 2  x
Does Not
Exist
 Evaluate the six trigonometric functions at each real number.

7

4
 2  2
 
 2 , 2 
 

 7   2 Csc  7 
 2
Sin     So, you think you
 4  2  4  got it now?

 7 
Cos  7   2 Sec   2
 4   4 
2
 7 
Tan  7   Cot   -1
-1  4 
 4 
SINE LAW
What You Should Learn
Use the Law of Sines to solve oblique triangles
(AAS or ASA).
Use the Law of Sines to solve oblique triangles
(SSA).
Find the areas of oblique triangles.
Use the Law of Sines to model and solve real-life problems.
Plan for the day
• When to use law of sines and law of cosines
• Applying the law of sines
• Law of sines - Ambiguous Case
Introduction
In this section, we will solve
oblique triangles – triangles
that have no right angles.
As standard notation, the
angles of a triangle are labeled A, B, and C, and their
opposite sides are labeled a, b, and c.
To solve an oblique triangle, we need to know the
measure of at least one side and any two other
measures of the triangle—either two sides, two angles,
or one angle and one side.
Introduction
This breaks down into the following four cases:

1. Two angles and any side (AAS or ASA)

2. Two sides and an angle opposite one of them (SSA)
3. Three sides (SSS)
4. Two sides and their included angle (SAS)

The first two cases can be solved using the

Law of Sines, whereas the last two cases require the Law of
Cosines.
Introduction

The Law of Sines can also be written in the reciprocal form:

.
Given Two Angles and One Side – AAS

For the triangle below C = 102, B = 29, and b = 28 feet. Find

the remaining angle and sides.
Example AAS - Solution
The third angle of the triangle is
A = 180 – B – C
= 180 – 29 – 102
= 49.
By the Law of Sines, you have

.
Example AAS – Solution cont’d

Using b = 28 produces

and
Law of Sines
For non right triangles B

Law of sines a
c

a b c
 
sin A sin B sin C A
b
C

Try this:
o o
A  43 , B  67 , c  45mm
Let’s look at this: Example 1
Given a triangle, demonstrate using the Law of Sines that it is a valid
triangle (numbers are rounded to the nearest tenth so they may be up
to a tenth off):
a=5 A = 40o
b=7 B = 64.1o
c = 7.5 C = 75.9o
Is it valid??
And this: Example 2
Given a triangle, demonstrate using the Law of Sines that it is a valid
triangle (numbers are rounded to the nearest tenth so they may be up
to a tenth off):
a=5 A = 40o
b=7 B = 115.9o
c = 3.2 C = 24.1o
Is it valid??
Why does this work?
Looking at these two examples
a=5 A = 40o
b=7 B = 64.1o
c = 7.5 C = 75.9o

a=5 A = 40o
b = 7 B = 115.9o
c = 3.2 C = 24.1o

In both cases a, b and A are the same (two sides and an angle) but they produced two
different triangles
Why??
Here is what happened
a = 5 A = 40o
5 7
b=7 B= o

sin 40 sin B
c= C=
7 sin 40o
sin B 
5
What is sin 64.1? sin 1 (.8999) 
What is sin 115.9?
What is the relationship between these two angles?
Remember the sine of an angle in the first quadrant (acute: 0 o –
90o) and second quadrant,
(obtuse: 90o – 180o)are the same!
The Ambiguous Case (SSA)
The Ambiguous Case (SSA)
In our first example we saw that two angles and one side
determine a unique triangle.
However, if two sides and one opposite angle are given,
three possible situations can occur:
(1) no such triangle exists,
(2) one such triangle exists, or
(3) two distinct triangles may satisfy the conditions.
Back to these examples
Given two sides and an angle across
a=5 A = 40o
b=7 B = 64.1o
c = 7.5 C = 75.9o

a=5 A = 40o
b=7 B = 115.9o
c = 3.2 C = 24.1o
The Ambiguous Case
The Ambiguous Case (SSA)
Ambiguous Case
1. Is it Law or Sines or Law of Cosines
1. Law of Cosines – solve based upon one solution
2. Law of Sines – go to #2
2. Law of Sines - Is it the SSA case? (Two sides and angle opposite)
1. No – not ambiguous, solve based upon one solution
2. Yes – go to #3.
3. Is the side opposite the angle the shortest side?
1. No – not ambiguous, solve based upon one solution
2. Yes – go to #4
4. Is the angle obtuse?
1. No – go to #5
2. Yes – no solution
5. Calculate the height of the triangle
height = the side not opposite the angle x the sine of the angle
1. If the side opposite the angle is shorter than the height – no solution
2. If the side opposite the angle is equal to the height – one solution
3. If the side opposite the angle is longer than the height – two solutions
How many solutions are there?

1. A = 30o a=5 b=3 1

2. B = 50o a=6 b=5 2
3. C = 80o b=5 c=6 1
4. A = 40o a=4 b=8 0
5. a=5 b=4 c=6 1
6. B = 20o a = 10 c = 15 1
7. A = 25o a=3 b=6 2
8. C = 75o a=5 b=3 1
Example – Single-Solution Case—SSA

• For the triangle below, a = 22 inches, b = 12 inches, and A = 42. Find

the remaining side and angles.

One solution: a  b
Example – Solution SSA
By the Law of Sines, you have
sin B sin A Reciprocal form

b a

( sina A)
sin B  b Multiply each side by b.

sin B  12 ( sin2242 ) Substitute for A, a, and b.

B  21.41o B is acute.
Example – Solution SSA cont’d

Now, you can determine that

C  180 – 42 – 21.41
= 116.59.
c a
Then, the remaining side is 
sin C sin A

a 22  29.40 inches
c sin C c sin(116 .59)
sin A sin( 42)
What about more than one solution?
How many solutions are there?

1. A = 30o a=5 b=3 1

2. B = 50o a=6 b=5 2
3. C = 80o b=5 c=6 1
4. A = 40o a=4 b=8 0
5. a=5 b=4 c=6 1
6. B = 20o a = 10 c = 15 1
7. A = 25o a=3 b=6 2
8. C = 75o a=5 b=3 1

Solve #2, 7
Area of an Oblique Triangle
Area of an Oblique Triangle
The procedure used to prove the Law of Sines leads to a
simple formula for the area of an oblique triangle.
Referring to the triangles below, that each triangle has a
height of h = b sin A.

A is acute. A is obtuse.
 Area of a Triangle - SAS

SAS – you know two sides: b, c and B

the angle between: A
c a
h
Remember area of a triangle is
A C
½ base ● height b
Base = b
Height = c ● sin A
 Area = ½ bc(sinA)

Looking at this from all three sides:

Area = ½ ab(sin C) = ½ ac(sin B) = ½ bc (sin A)
Area of an Oblique Triangle
Example – Finding the Area of a Triangular Lot

Find the area of a triangular lot having two sides of lengths 90 meters and 52
meters and an included angle of 102.
Solution:
Consider a = 90 meters, b = 52 meters, and the included angle C = 102
Then, the area of the triangle is

Area = ½ ab sin C
= ½ (90)(52)(sin102)
 2289 square meters.
COSINE LAW
Introduction
Four cases.

1. Two angles and any side (AAS or ASA)

2. Two sides and an angle opposite one of them (SSA)
3. Three sides (SSS)
4. Two sides and their included angle (SAS)

The first two cases can be solved using the

Law of Sines, whereas the last two cases require the Law of
Cosines.
Law of Cosines: Introduction
Two cases remain in the list of conditions needed to solve an oblique
triangle – SSS and SAS.
If you are given three sides (SSS), or two sides and their included angle
(SAS), none of the ratios in the Law of Sines would be complete.
In such cases, you can use the Law of Cosines.
Law of Cosines
Side, Angle, Side B

c a

A C
b
2 2 2
a  b  c  2bcCos A
2 2 2
b  a  c  2acCosB
2 2 2
c  a  b  2abCosC
Try these
1. B = 20o a = 10 c = 15

2. A = 25o b=3 c=6

3. C = 75o a=5 b=3

Law of Cosines
Side, Side, Side B

c a

A C
b
Law of Cosines
• SSS 2 2 2
b c a
cos A 
2bc
2 2 2
a c b
cos B 
2ac
a 2  b2  c2
cos C 
2ab
Always solve for the angle across from the longest side first!
Why
It is wise to find the largest angle when you have SSS. Knowing the
cosine of an angle, you can determine whether the angle is acute or
obtuse. That is,
cos  > 0 for 0 <  < 90
Acute
cos  < 0 for 90 <  < 180.
Obtuse

This avoids the ambiguous case!

Try these

1. a = 5 b=4 c=6

2. a = 20 b = 10 c = 28

3. a = 8 b=5 c = 12
Applications
An Application of the Law of Cosines

The pitcher’s mound on a women’s

softball field is 43 feet from home
plate and the distance between
the bases is 60 feet (The pitcher’s
mound is not halfway between
home plate and second base.) How
far is the pitcher’s mound from
first base?
Solution
In triangle HPF, H = 45 (line HP bisects the right angle at H), f = 43, and
p = 60.
Using the Law of Cosines for this SAS case, you have
h2 = f 2 + p2 – 2fp cos H
= 432 + 602 – 2(43)(60) cos 45
 1800.3.
So, the approximate distance from the pitcher’s mound to first base is

 42.43 feet.
HERON’S FORMULA
Heron’s Area Formula
The Law of Cosines can be used to establish the following formula for
the area of a triangle. This formula is called Heron’s Area Formula
after the Greek mathematician Heron (c. 100 B.C.).
Area of a Triangle
Law of Cosines Case - SSS
B

c a
SSS – Given all three sides
h

A C
Heron’s formula:
b
A  s ( s  a )( s  b)( s  c)

abc
where s 
2
BEARINGS
A bearing is a way of defining direction as an angle
measured from due North in a clockwise direction

N Bearings are always

written in 3 digits

B
063°

What is the bearing of B from A ?

In other words if you are at A and facing North, by how many
degrees must you turn in a clockwise direction until you are facing B
?
© T Madas
A bearing is a way of defining direction as an angle
measured from due North in a clockwise direction
N

B
243°
A

What is the bearing of A from B ?

In other words if you are at B and facing North, by how many
degrees must you turn in a clockwise direction until you are facing A
?
© T Madas
A bearing is a way of defining direction as an angle
measured from due North in a clockwise direction
N
N

B
063°
243°
A

What is the bearing of A from B ?

In other words if you are at B and facing North, by how many
degrees must you turn in a clockwise direction until you are facing A
?
© T Madas
A bearing is a way of defining direction as an angle
measured from due North in a clockwise direction
N
N

B
063°
243°
A

The bearing of B from A is 063°

The bearing of A from B is 243°
A bearing is an angle between
© T Madas
0° and 360°
How do these bearings relate to each other?

N
N

B
063°
243°
A

© T Madas
 How do these bearings relate to each other?

N
N

B
063°
63° 243°
180°
A

Alternate Angles

to get the bearing “backwards”:

we try to get an angle between 0° and 360° by adding or subtracting
180°.
© T Madas
to get the bearing “backwards”:
we try to get an angle between 0° and 360° by adding or subtracting
180°.

The bearing of Norwich from London is 042°

∴ The bearing of London from Norwich is 222°

The bearing of Birmingham from Dover is 300°

∴ The bearing of Dover from Birmingham is 120°

to get the bearing “backwards”:

we try to get an angle between 0° and 360° by adding or subtracting
180°.
© T Madas
© T Madas
© T Madas
What is the bearing of X from Y ? What is the bearing of P from Q ?
060° 290°

110°
P
X
Y
120° Q
110°

What is the bearing of W from O ? What is the bearing of A from B ?

230° 130°

B
130° O
50°

W
© T Madas A
What is the bearing of K from H ? What is the bearing of P from Q ?
047° 292°

K P
68°
H 68°
Q
133°

What is the bearing of Z from O ? What is the bearing of A from B ?

223° 132°

B
137° O
48°
48°
Z
© T Madas A
© T Madas
What is the bearing of X from Y ? What is the bearing of P from Q ?
060° 290°

110°
P
X
Y
120° Q
110°

What is the bearing of W from O ? What is the bearing of A from B ?

230° 130°

B
130° O
50°

W
© T Madas A
What is the bearing of K from H ? What is the bearing of P from Q ?
047° 292°

P
K 68°
H 68°
Q
133°

What is the bearing of Z from O ? What is the bearing of A from B ?

223° 132°

B
137° O
48°
48°
Z
© T Madas A
© T Madas
A ship left port A heading for port B.
It sailed due East for 40 miles.
It then sailed due North for 30 miles.
Find:
1. The distance between the two ports
2. The bearing of port B as measured from port A
3. The bearing of port A as measured from port B

d 30

A
40 © T Madas
By Pythagoras Theorem:
d 2 = 402 + 302

c
d 2 = 1600 + 900

c
d 2 = 2500

c
d = 2500

c
d = 50 miles

d 30

A
40 © T Madas
A ship left port A heading for port B.
It sailed due East for 40 miles.
It then sailed due North for 30 miles.
Find:
1. The distance between the two ports 50 miles
2. The bearing of port B as measured from port A
3. The bearing of port A as measured from port B

d 30
?
A θ
40 © T Madas
 Opp
tanθ =

c
adj
30
tanθ =

c
40

θ = tan-1 0.75

c
θ ≈ 37°

d 30
? 53°
A θ37°
40 © T Madas
A ship left port A heading for port B.
It sailed due East for 40 miles.
It then sailed due North for 30 miles.
Find:
1. The distance between the two ports 50 miles
2. The bearing of port B as measured from port A 053°
3. The bearing of port A as measured from port B 233°

d 53°
30
53°

A 37°
40 © T Madas
© T Madas
A soldier walked from his base for 3 km on a bearing of 050° to a
point A.
He then walked a further 4 km due east to a point B.
Find:
1. How far east of the base is point B ?
2. The bearing of B as measured from the base.
3. The bearing of the base as measured from B.

A 4 B
D

050°
3
Base
C © T Madas
 Opp
sinθ =

c
Hyp
DA
sin50° =

c
3

DA = 3 x sin50°

c
DA ≈ 2.30 km
N

2.3 A 4 B
D

050°
3
Base Point B is 6.3 km east of the base
C © T Madas
A soldier walked from his base for 3 km on a bearing of 050° to a
point A.
He then walked a further 4 km due east to a point B.
Find:
1. How far east of the base is point B ? 6.3 km
2. The bearing of B as measured from the base.
3. The bearing of the base as measured from B.

2.3 A 4 B
D

050°
3
Base θ
C © T Madas
 DC
cos50° =

c
AC
DC
cos50° =

c
3

DC = 3 x cos50°

c
DC ≈ 1.93 km
N

2.3 A 4 B
D
1.93

3
Base θ
C © T Madas
 Opp
tanθ =

c
adj
6.3
tanθ =

c
1.93

θ ≈ tan-1 3.264

c
N θ ≈ 73°

2.3 A 4 B
D
1.93

θ
Base 73°
C B is at a bearing of 073° from the base
© T Madas
A soldier walked from his base for 3 km on a bearing of 050° to a
point A.
He then walked a further 4 km due east to a point B.
Find:
1. How far east of the base is point B ? 6.3 km
2. The bearing of B as measured from the base. 073°
3. The bearing of the base as measured from B. 253°
N
N

2.3 A 4 B
D
73°
1.93

Base 73°
C B is at a bearing of 073° from the base
© T Madas
Final question for all you
wimps!
How far is point B from the
base?

© T Madas
 By Pythagoras Theorem:
d 2 = 6.32 + 1.932

c
d 2 = 39.69 + 3.72

c
d 2 = 43.41

c
d = 43.41

c
d ≈ 6.6 km
N
N

2.3 A 4 B
D
1.93

73°
d
Base
C B is 6.6 km away from the base
© T Madas
© T Madas
A soldier walked from his base for 4 km on a bearing of 060° to a
point A.
He then walked a further 5 km due east to a point B.
Find:
1. The distance of point B from the base?
2. The bearing of B as measured from the base.
3. The bearing of the base as measured from B.

A 5 B
30° 150°

060°
4
d
Base
C © T Madas
 By the cosine rule on ABC
d 2 = 52 + 42 – 2 x 5 x 4 x cos150°

c
d 2 = 25 + 16 – 40 cos150°

c
d 2 ≈ 75.64

c
d ≈ 8.7 km
N

A 5 B
30° 150°

060°
4

Base 8d.7

C © T Madas
A soldier walked from his base for 4 km on a bearing of 060° to a
point A.
He then walked a further 5 km due east to a point B.
Find:
1. The distance of point B from the base? 8.7 km
2. The bearing of B as measured from the base.
3. The bearing of the base as measured from B.

A 5 B
30° 150°

060°
4

Base θ 8.7

C © T Madas
 By the sine rule on ABC :
sinθ sin150° x 5
5x =

c
5 8.7

sinθ = 5sin150°

c
8.7
sinθ ≈ 0.287

c
θ ≈ sin-1 (0.287)

c
N θ ≈ 17°

A 5 B
30° 150°

060°
4

Base θ17° 8.7

C © T Madas
A soldier walked from his base for 4 km on a bearing of 060° to a
point A.
He then walked a further 5 km due east to a point B.
Find:
1. The distance of point B from the base? 8.7 km
2. The bearing of B as measured from the base. 077°
3. The bearing of the base as measured from B. 257°

A 5 B
30° 150° 77°

060°
4

Base 17° 8.7

C B is at a bearing of 077° from the base

© T Madas