Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils explore how to apply knowledge in trigonometry to non right-angled triangles.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to read values from the graphs and can identify how many solutions exist within a given range.

Key Notes

• Reading solutions from trigonometric graphs is the same as reading solutions from any other graph
• Due to the period, there may be more than one solution
• It is possible to predict the number of solutions that exist within a given range

Vocabulary To Learn

• Trigonometric functions: Trigonometric functions are commonly defined as ratios of two sides of a right-angled triangle for a given angle.
• Sine function: The sine of an angle (sin(θ°)) is the y-coordinate of point P on the triangle formed inside the unit circle.
• Cosine function: The cosine of an angle (cos(θ°)) is the x-coordinate of point P on the triangle formed inside the unit circle.
• Tangent function: The tangent of an angle (tan(θ°)) is the y-coordinate of point Q on the triangle which extends from the unit circle.
• Period (of a function): For a repeating function, the period is the distance of one repetition of the entire function.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Pupils assume that the graph displayed always shows the number of solutions.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Calculating the area of any triangle when the height is not known Study Guide
• Checking and securing understanding of trigonometric ratios Study Guide
• Considering the appropriate trigonometric rule Study Guide
• Drawing the sine and cosine graphs Study Guide
• Drawing the tangent graph Study Guide
• Problem solving with non right-angled trigonometry Study Guide
• The area of any triangle Study Guide
• The cosine rule Study Guide
• The sine rule Study Guide
• Using the sine and cosine rules Study Guide