Introduction
We recognize that math can be a difficult topic to grasp, but one should always do their hardest to grasp it. One of the most difficult subjects in mathematics is trigonometry. Understanding the principles of trigonometry is critical for success in any STEM discipline. You’ll come across this topic again during your academic experience, so it’s critical that you grasp the core concepts. Trigonometry is a subject that most students learn in high school, but there are a number of tips and tactics that might help you grasp the subject. It’s not difficult to learn trigonometry, and it’s well worth the effort. We’d like to share some ideas and tricks for learning trigonometry and its functions with you in this blog on education. Let’s start with a definition of trigonometry before we get into the tips and tricks.
What is the concept of trigonometry?
The area of mathematics that works with the lengths and angles of triangles is known as trigonometry. Accurate measurement of angles and sides of a triangle is the literal definition of trigonometry. The notion of trigonometry was established by Hipparchus, a Greek astronomer, geographer, and mathematician.
The Relationship Between Trigonometry and Real-Life Situations
The calculation of height and distance is one of the most essential real-life applications of trigonometry. In astronomy, it’s used to estimate the distance to nearby stars, and in satellite navigation systems, it’s used to determine the distance between locations. In addition, trigonometry is widely employed in industries like aerospace, navigational, forensics, and much more.
Here are a few pointers on how to master this field of mathematics:
1. Understand the fundamental terminology you’ll need to learn
Learning the mathematical terminologies is generally like having a set of basic tools that can help you navigate the dense jungle of trigonometry. You’ll need to know the following terms:
- Triangle with a right angle — Any triangle with a 90 ° angle on one side.
- On the opposite side — When using trigonometric ratios with a right-angled triangle, the opposite side is the side opposite to the angle in consideration.
- Adjacent side — When working with trigonometric ratios and a right-angled triangle, the side close to the angle in consideration, but not the hypotenuse, is used.
- Hypotenuse — A right-angled triangle’s longest side. It’s the opposing side of a right-angled triangle.
- Ratio — The relationship between two numbers indicates the number of times the first number contains the second.
2. Know your trigonometric ratios
Trigonometry will become a simple task for you if you generally comprehend the three primary functions thoroughly. The primary functions are as follows.
- Sine represented as SIN
- Cosine represented as COS
- Tangent represented as TAN
Secant, Cosecant, and Cotangent are the other three functions that can be obtained from the three fundamental functions. We don’t generally see them on calculators and spreadsheets because they’re so simple to calculate.
3. Memorize the functions by using remembering tricks using Mnemonics
The ‘SOH-CAH-TOA’ method is one of the most effective ways to memorize the definitions of the three major functions. All you need to do is memorize the following information:
- S — Sine =, O — Opposite divided by, H — Hypotenuse
(Sine = Opposite divided by Hypotenuse)
- C — Cosine =, A — Adjacent divided by, H — Hypotenuse
(Cosine = Adjacent divided by Hypotenuse)
- T — Tangent =, O — Opposite divided by, A — Adjacent
(Tangent = Opposite divided by Adjacent)
You can use the following Mnemonic to recall these trigonometric ratios. This, however, will help you remember the formula far more easily and for the rest of your life.
“Some Of Her Children Are Having Trouble Over Arithmetic”
- Some Of Her (SOH): Sine = Length of Opposite Side / Length of Hypotenuse
- Children Are Having (CAH): Cosine = Length of Adjacent Side / Length of Hypotenuse
- Trouble Over Arithmetic (TOA): Tangent = Length of Opposite Side / Length of Adjacent Side
4. Memorize key formulas
You can master the concept by memorizing the required trigonometry formulae. They can use the trigonometry table as well as the inverse trigonometry formulas to solve difficulties.
5. Review the Exact Trigonometry Functions for Selected Acute Angles
You may determine the exact values of the multiples of these angles by using these values in conjunction with reference angles and the signs of the functions in the different quadrants.
Keep in mind…
The trigonometric functions are commonly stated in terms of a right triangle, but they have also been applied to other triangles. The Laws of Sines and Cosines, for example, can be applied to any triangle, not only right triangles. To effectively learn trigonometry, begin with the easiest questions and apparently work your way up to the more difficult ones. After you’ve proven that you understand the concept by answering the easy questions, you can go on to the more difficult questions. The key to understanding Trigonometry is to first learn the fundamental terminology before attempting as many tasks as possible.
Kasper Müller Russell Lim The Walking Temple Ali Joseph Mellor Sunny Labh Ethan Siegel Cassie Kozyrkov Andrew Lehti Marvin Lanhenke Manin Bocss Subham Mittal Shubham Panchal Long Lost Oluwatomisin Awe Dan J Ingerul Pierdut Kristi Pelzel
Originally published at https://blogs.dynamind.co on February 21, 2022.
