Trigonometric Functions Values

In trigonometric functions radian. is represented by angle. This could be in degree or in

It means that

can be write as

since

is equal to

Here, we will determine the exact values of the trigonometric functions of certain angles by applying theorems from plane geometry. There is a theorem stating that in a right triangle having acute angles of measurement and , the length of the side opposite the angle is one-half the length of the hypotenuse. This can be represented by the right triangle below.
2

Because

Since

is in the first quadrant. From the definition,

And

is in the first quadrant as well,

Another theorem is if an acute in a triangle is , then the other acute angle is ; so the triangle is isosceles. This can be represented by the figure below.
1

Because

We reject the negative root of 2 because r > 0. Hence

Note: the special angles.

are also known as

The table below will summarize the values of the trigonometric functions of . We can determine the exact values when needed.

By methods similar to those used of we can find the trigonometric functions of multiples of these angles provided they are not quadrantal angles.

So, if the terminal side of the angle is lie either x axis or y axis, known as quadrantal angle. The formula in defining the trigonometric functions is also applicable for these angles. Figure below shows the qudrantal angles in the standard position. For each angle we choose as the point P on the terminal side in which r =1.

For , x = 1, y = 0 and r = 1. Applying the definition,

P (1, 0) 0 r=1

P (1, 0)

For , x = 0 , y = 1 and r = 1. Applying the definition,

r=1

0 For , x = -1, y = 0 and r = 1. Applying the definition,

P (-1, 0) 0 r=1

For , x = 0 , y = -1 and r = 1. Applying the definition, r=1

P (-1, 0)

The table below will summarize the values of the trigonometric functions of .

0 1 0 -1

1 0 -1 0

0 Undefined 0 Undefined

Undefined 0 Undefined 0

1 Undefined -1 Undefined

Undefined 1 Undefined -1

Other quadrantal angles are coterminal with one of the angles in this table, and their function values are in a similar manner. However, geometric methods of obtaining function values of most angles are not applicable. Other way of finding the approximate values of the trigonometric functions is by using calculator. A scientific calculator has, sin, cos and tan keys to find the trigonometric functions of angles. There are also a key that sets the calculator in the degree or radian mode. The number of significant figures is dependent on the calculator used. However, for the purpose of the lesson, the final answer will be expressed to four significant figures. Example 1. Find the six trigonometric functions of Solution The figure below shows an angle of measurement which is equivalent to 3150 is the standard position. We choose point P on the terminal side and form right triangle OMP by drawing a perpendicular line from P to the x-axis. Each of the acute angles in this right triangle is . Therefore the lengths of the sides opposite to these angles are equal. Thus select P so that and Then . Therefore, .

1 O

Note: The terminal side of the angle is located in the fourth quadrant; thus the cosine and secant are positive while the other four functions are negative.

Example 2. Find the six trigonometric functions of The figure below shows an angle of measurement which is in the standard position. We choose point P on the terminal side and form right triangle OMP by drawing a perpendicular line from P to the x axis. Observe that the acute angle at O in this right triangle is and the acute angle at P is . Therefore, if we choose P as the point for which r = 2 , then x = -1and y = .

-1

Note: The terminal side of the angle is located in the second quadrant; thus the sine and cosecant are positive while the other four functions are negative.

Example 3. Find the six trigonometric functions of The figure below shows an angle of measurement which is in the standard position. We choose point P on the terminal side and form right triangle OMP by drawing a perpendicular line from P to the x-axis. Observe that the acute angle at O in this right triangle is and the acute angle at P is . Therefore, if we choose P as the point for which r = 2, then y = -1and x = .

Note: The terminal side of the angle is located in the third quadrant; thus the tangent and cotangent are positive while the other four functions are negative.

The trigonometric functions values of any angles can be determined by knowing the function values of acute angles (an angle having positive radian measure less than ). The procedure involves the concept of a reference angle. The reference angle associated by the terminal side of in the standard position is the acute angle formed by the terminal side of and the x-axis.

In the figures below, the angle is located in different quadrant with standard position. The reference angle associated with the angle is indicated in the figure.

Example 4. Determine the reference angles a. b. ,

of the following angles . c. d.

Solution: a.

b.

c.

d.

Example 5. Determine the reference angles a. Solution: a. b. ,

of the following angles . c. d.

b.

c.

d.