Trigonometry Class Notes

Instructor Introduction

  • Instructor: Oslo Mutlu (Asli = genuine, Mutlu = happy)
  • Fast-paced trig class, covering a lot of content in 8 weeks.
  • Instructor acknowledges the time commitment (20-25 hours per week) may be challenging.
  • Learning objectives are mandated by Central North Carolina Community Colleges.
  • Recognizes students may have summer commitments but emphasizes the course will continue regardless.
  • The instructor shows his face at the beginning of the class to be personal; will turn off video later.

Course Structure and Expectations

  • Online hybrid course with meetings 4 times a week (Monday-Thursday).
  • Meeting times are provided.
  • Attendance is optional, but recommended to absorb information even passively.
  • Meetings are recorded.
  • Suggestion to listen to recordings before the next class if a meeting is missed.
  • Office hours are available after class or via email.
  • Big Blue Button is the platform used for online meetings (not Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet).

Course Materials and Grading

  • PowerPoint slides are available in weekly modules.
  • Required materials:
    • MyMathLab (MML): Pearson product, accessible via Canvas. Purchase the online access code for eText and homework.
    • TI-84 Plus calculator: The emulator used in class is TI-84. Higher-end calculators are not allowed during in-person tests.
  • Grading policy:
    • Two grading schemes (A and B).
    • Scheme A is posted on Canvas (60% in-person tests and final exam).
    • Scheme B (45% in-person tests and final exam) will be considered at the end of the semester and applied if it benefits the student.

Online Class Policies

  • Instructor will address emails and questions even during holidays, depending on urgency.
  • Students are expected to stay on top of their coursework despite summer commitments.
  • Estimated time commitment: 20-25 hours per week.
  • Durham Tech requires two in-person tests: Test 2 and the final exam.

Course Calendar

  • The course calendar is available on the course website and serves as a roadmap.
  • The instructor may push due dates back but not forward.
  • Keep the Google Calendar bookmarked.
  • In-person tests are on June 24 and July 21.
  • Online tests are open all day on their scheduled dates; no class meetings on those days.
  • Course entry quiz must be completed to access course materials.
  • The first MML assignment is due on Friday.
  • An introductory discussion post (Google link) is required.
  • Three tests in total.
  • Weeks two and three will be open by tomorrow morning, meaning you can get ahead.

Review of Special Triangles

  • Sum of angles in a triangle: 180∘180^{\circ}
    • Always include the degree notation ∘^{\circ}.
  • Pythagorean theorem: a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2
    • Example: 3-4-5 right triangle.
  • Triangle similarities: If triangles are similar, their sides are proportional.
  • Special triangles:
    • Formed from a square with sides of one unit.
      • Important for the unit circle.
      • Hypotenuse: 2\sqrt{2}
      • Angles: 45-45-90 degrees.
      • Sine 45 = 12=22\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} (opposite over hypotenuse)
    • Cutting an equilateral triangle in half (sides of 2 units).
      • Height: 3\sqrt{3}
      • Angles: 30-60-90 degrees.
      • Sine 30 = 12\frac{1}{2} (opposite over hypotenuse)
      • Cosine 30 = 32\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} (adjacent over hypotenuse)
    • Complementary angles: If two angles add up to 90 degrees, the sine of one equals the cosine of the other.
      • Sine 30 = Cosine 60 = 12\frac{1}{2}

Exact Values of Angles

  • Exact values involve π\pi, square roots, and ee.
  • Students should avoid calculator approximations and use exact values when solving problems.