Algebra I / Elem. Algebra
Introduction to Algebra Linear Equations and Inequalities Functions and Graphs I Lines and thier Graphs Linear Systems
Algebra II / E&I Algebra
Exponents & Polynomials Intermediate Algebra starts here!

Factoring Rational Expressions Rational Equations and Applications
Algebra III / Inter. Algebra
Radical Expressions Nonlinear Equations and Applications Functions and Graphs II Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
College Algebra
Equations and Inequalitites Functions and Graphs Polynomial and Rational Functions Exponential and Logarithmic Functions Systems and Matrices Geometry Basics Conic Sections Sequences and Series
Trigonometry
The Six Trigonometric Functions Right Triangle Trigonometry Circular Functions Graphs of Trigonometric Functions Trigonometric Identities Trigonometric Equations Oblique Triangles and the Laws Vectors Complex, Parametric, and Polar Forms
Calculus I
Limits and Continuity Derivatives Analysis of Curves Antiderivatives
Calculus II
Transcendental Functions
Geometry Physics Integration Techniques Calculus of Infinity Parametric, Polar, and Conic Curves
Calculus III
Calculus IV
15.Functions of Several Variables
16.Multiple Integration
17.Vector Analysis

Course: Trigonometry
Topic: The Six Trigonometric Functions
Subtopic: xyr Definition

Overview

This lesson marks the *real* beginning of trig by introducing the six trigonometric functions: sine, cosine, tangent, cosecant, secant, and cotangent. While functions like f(x)=x3 have a variable input and an expression output, the trig functions, such as f(θ)=sin(θ), have an angle input and a ratio output. The output is the ratio of two sides of a triangle where the angle, θ pronounced "theta", is an interior angle of the triangle.

We will be defining these functions by expressing the ratio outputs in two different, but equivalent, ways. The first definition we use is the xyr definition meaning that the six trig functions have outputs in terms of the sides of a right triangle, x, y, and r, where r is the hypotenuse.

Objectives

By the end of this topic you should know and be prepared to be tested on:

• 1.2.1 Use the xyr definition to find the six trig functions of a given angle
• 1.2.2 Know the sign (positive or negative) of each of the six trig functions in each of the four quadrants
• 1.2.3 Find trig functions of quadrantal angles

Terminology

Memorize and know how to write at least the first 5 letters of the Greek alphabet.

Memorize the xyr definition of the six trig functions:

Memorize (or be able to quickly determine) the sign of trig functions in each quadrant:

 "All Students Take Calculus" can be used to quickly determine which quadrants produce positive answers. For example if the angle input is in QIII, Tangent (and its reciprocal cotangent) are the only functions that have positive answers.

Be able to quickly determine the value of the trig functions at each quadrantal angle. Be sure you understand how to find the values in this chart:

Supplemental Resources (optional)

Videos from James Sousa's MathIsPower4U:
Mini-Lesson:Introduction to Trigonometric Function Using Angles in Standard Position
Examples:
Determine Trig Function Values Given a Point on the Terminal Side of an Angle
Example:  Determine Trig Function Values from Given Information