Angles in the four quadrants (Unit circle)

Keywords

Unit circle (단위 원), Trigonometric functions (삼각 함수), Sine of 45 degrees (45도의 사인), Cosine of 45 degrees (45도의 코사인), Trigonometric identities (삼각함수 정체성), Pythagorean theorem (피타고라스의 정리), Radians and degrees (라디안과 도), Trigonometric equations (삼각 방정식), Equilateral triangle (정삼각형), Right isosceles triangle (직각 이등변 삼각형), Trigonometric ratios (삼각비), Angle symmetry (각도 대칭), Trigonometric exact values (삼각함수의 정확한 값), Quadrant (사분면), Positive sine values (양의 사인 값), Cosine values (코사인 값), Angle opposite pairs (각도의 반대 쌍)

Inquiry questions

Factual Questions 1. What is the unit circle? 2. Calculate the sine and cosine of 45 degrees using the unit circle. 3. How is the unit circle used to define the trigonometric functions for all angles? 4. Identify the coordinates of the point on the unit circle corresponding to a 120-degree angle. 5. What are the values of sin and cos for the key angles on the unit circle (0, 30, 45, 60, 90 degrees)? Conceptual Questions 1. Explain the significance of the unit circle in trigonometry. 2. Discuss how the unit circle relates to the Pythagorean theorem. 3. How do the concepts of radians and degrees apply to the unit circle? 4. Explain the relationship between the unit circle and the graphs of sine and cosine functions. 5. Compare the use of the unit circle in solving trigonometric equations to other methods. Debatable Questions 1. Is the unit circle the most effective way to understand trigonometric functions? Why or why not? 2. Debate the importance of memorizing key points on the unit circle versus deriving from isoceles right triangle and the equilateral triangle. 3. Can the understanding of the unit circle be considered foundational for advanced mathematics? 4. Discuss the statement: "The unit circle simplifies the complexity of trigonometric functions."
Mini-Investigation: Navigating the Unit Circle Welcome to the adventure of the Unit Circle, a realm where angles and trigonometry intertwine! Today we'll be navigating through this circular world to discover the secrets of angles in the four quadrants. Grab your protractor and let's set sail! First if we imagine a circle of radius centred at the origin. We can see how we can relate the circle to trigonometry. This is a huge and interesting topic with many inter-connecting ideas. Take your time, ask questions and remember to document your discoveries in your captain's log. Share your newfound knowledge with your crew, and remember: in the world of the unit circle, every degree is a step towards enlightenment. Happy navigating!
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Moving into the other quadrants, we need to use the symmetry of the circle

1. Cosine Coordinates: On our map, the cosine value of 20° is about 0.94. If we journey to 340°, would we find the same treasure? Predict and then check your bearings using the unit circle.

2. Sine Waves: As we sail from 0° to 90°, the sine value climbs the rigging. How high does it reach at 90°? Now, plunge down to 270°—what happens to the sine value?

3. Reflective Waters: The applet shows that cos(160°) is about -0.94. If we reflect across the y-axis to 200°, does the cosine value change? What does this tell us about symmetry in the unit circle?

3. Reflective Waters: The applet shows that cos(160°) is about -0.94. If we reflect across the y-axis to 200°, does the cosine value change? What does this tell us about symmetry in the unit circle?

4. Quadrant Quest: Each quadrant holds its secrets. In which quadrants will you find positive sine values? And where will cosine lead us to positive shores?

5. Angle Amplification: Suppose we amplify our angle from 20° to 200°, passing through the stormy sea of the third quadrant. How does the sign of cosine and sine change?

6. Trigonometric Treasure: If cos(20°) is approximately 0.94, can we predict cos(160°) without a compass? Use the unit circle to verify your guess and find the value.

7. Full Circle: As we complete our 360° journey, can you predict the sine and cosine values at the cardinal points of 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°? Confirm your predictions using the unit circle.

8. Opposite Odyssey: We know angles have opposite pairs on the unit circle. If the cosine of 20° is 0.94, what's the cosine of its opposite angle? Use the unit circle to find out!

9. Sine and Cosine Saga: Create your own angle and predict its sine and cosine values. Then, embark on a quest to find an angle in a different quadrant with the same sine value.

10. Circle of Life: The unit circle is never-ending. If you keep adding 360° to an angle, what happens to the sine and cosine values? Do they change or remain steadfast like the North Star?

Part 2 - The unit circle exact values

From the humble right-isoceles triangle and an equilateral triangle creates a world of trigonometry.
Triangles can be a great way to explore the properties of these shapes and how they relate to trigonometry. Let's dive into this investigation with some activities and explanations. Equilateral Triangle Investigation An equilateral triangle has all three sides of equal length, and all three internal angles are 60 degrees. We can use this information to find the exact values of sine, cosine, and tangent for 30 degrees and 60 degrees angles.
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Activity 1: Finding sin(60°), cos(60°), and tan(60°) 1. **Draw an equilateral triangle** with side length 2 (for simplicity). Label the vertices A, B, and C. 2. **Draw the altitude** from vertex A to the midpoint of the base BC, creating two 30°-60°-90° right triangles. Let's call the midpoint D. 3. **Determine lengths** of AD, BD, and AB. Since AB = 2, and BD = 1 (half of AB), use Pythagoras' theorem to find AD. 4. **Calculate trigonometric ratios** for 60° using the right triangle ABD.

Activity 2: Finding sin(30°), cos(30°), and tan(30°) 1. Using the same triangle, **apply the trigonometric functions** to angle BAD (30°). 2. **Calculate** the sine, cosine, and tangent of 30° using the lengths found in Activity 1.

Right Isosceles Triangle Investigation A right isosceles triangle has one right angle and two 45° angles. The sides opposite these angles are of equal length.
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Activity 3: Finding sin(45°), cos(45°), and tan(45°) 1. Draw a right isosceles triangle** with the two legs of equal length. For simplicity, let each leg have a length of 1. 2. Label the hypotenuse** and calculate its length using Pythagoras' theorem. 3. Calculate trigonometric ratios** for 45° using the lengths of the legs and the hypotenuse.

Reflection questions 1. How do the trigonometric ratios for 30°, 45°, and 60° compare? Discuss their relationships. 2. Can you derive the sine, cosine, and tangent values for 0°, 90°, and other angles based on the patterns observed? Enjoy exploring these relationships and discovering the beauty of trigonometry!

This fun quiz can help you build up your fluency with exact values.

Part 2 - Checking your understanding

Attempt the examination-style questions in the PDF. The videos are also a helpful resource for solidying your understanding for an overview of the unit circle (degrees to radians)

[MAA 3.5] SIN, COS, TAN ON THE UNIT CIRCLE - IDENTITIES Questions

[MAA 3.5] SIN, COS, TAN ON THE UNIT CIRCLE - IDENTITIES_solutions

The unit circle - Values of sine and cosine