1.4 Trig Functions for General Angles
Goals of the Lesson
Extend the concept of trigonometric ratios to all four quadrants of the coordinate plane.
Specific objectives include:
Determine the signs of trigonometric functions in each quadrant.
Use co-terminal angles to find exact values of trigonometric functions.
Find reference angles and use them for exact values of trig functions.
Key concepts:
Given
Angle 𝜃
Point P(x, y)
Radius r = √(x² + y²)
Signs of Trigonometric Functions
The signs of trig functions change based on the quadrant location:
Quadrant I: All positive
Quadrant II: sin positive, cos and tan negative
Quadrant III: tan positive, sin and cos negative
Quadrant IV: cos positive, sin and tan negative
Importance of knowing quadrant for determining signs.
Finding the Six Trigonometric Functions
Example coordinates to analyze:
P(−3, −5)
P(1, −3)
P(12, 15)
P(−4, 6)
P(3, 0)
Process involves rationalizing and simplifying trig functions derived from these points.
Finding Trig Values from Given Ratios
Examples of calculating trig functions given certain conditions:
tan 𝜃 = −2/3 where cos 𝜃 > 0
cos 𝜃 = √2/5 where sin 𝜃 > 0
tan 𝜃 = −4 within a specific range of angles
Understanding the quadrant where each ratio exists helps determine corresponding trig function values.
Co-terminal Angles
Definition: Two angles are co-terminal if they have the same terminal side.
Examples include: 60° and 240°; −40° and 320°.
Finding co-terminal angles expressed as:
For degrees: 𝜃 ± 360°k
For radians: 𝜃 ± 2𝜋k where k is an integer.
Process to find co-terminal angles involves adding or subtracting 360° or 2𝜋 until the angle falls within the desired range.
Exercises require finding trig values for angles such as sin 390°, csc (−270°), and cos 420°.
Reference Angle
Definition: Positive acute angle 𝛼 formed by the terminal side of 𝜃 and the x-axis.
Reference angles help derive trig function values from Quadrant I for angles in other quadrants.
Process for identifying reference angle includes:
Finding co-terminal angle, if applicable.
Determining the quadrant based on given angle 𝜃.
Applying the correct formula to find 𝛼.
Examples of finding reference angles include those for angles such as 345°, −135°, and 3π/5.
Using Reference Angles to Find Exact Values of Trig Functions
Theorem: For an angle 𝜃 in a quadrat and its reference angle 𝛼, the trig values can be derived using reference angles.
Procedures involve:
sin 𝜃 = sin 𝛼, cos 𝜃 = ±cos 𝛼 depending on quadrant, tan 𝜃 = ±tan 𝛼 based on quadrant.
Examples demonstrated:
Calculate sin 135°, cos 600°, and tan (−π/3).
Recap: Finding Trigonometric Values of Any Angle
If 𝜃 is a quadrantal angle:
Draw angle and apply definition of trig functions based on point placement.
For angles in quadrants:
Find reference angle 𝛼.
Compute trig function value for 𝛼.
Adjust sign based on quadrant of 𝜃.