Evaluating Trig Functions and Applications
Evaluating trigonometric functions for special angles is a crucial skill. Notice how sec(-60°) = 2, but csc(-7π) is undefined—this happens when the corresponding function (cosine or sine) equals zero.
Remember that these functions repeat in predictable patterns. For instance, cos(810°) = 0 because after removing complete rotations, you're at a multiple of 90° where cosine equals zero.
Arc length problems connect angles to distance. When a clock hand moves through 145°, you can find the arc length using the formula: arc length = angle/360° × 2πr. This direct application shows how central angles relate to distances along a circle's edge.
Word problems using trigonometry often involve angles of elevation or depression. The key is to set up a right triangle and use:
- Tangent for finding heights when you know distance tanθ=opposite/adjacent
- Inverse tangent for finding angles when you know the sides
🔍 Remember: When converting between degrees and radians, use the relationship: 180° = π radians. So to convert, multiply by the appropriate form of this ratio.
Converting between degrees and radians becomes second nature with practice. The key formula is π radians = 180°, which means 1° = π/180 radians and 1 radian = 180°/π degrees.