Chapter 6
Describing Trig Functions
IN THIS CHAPTER
Understanding the three basic trig functions
Building on the basics: The reciprocal functions
Recognizing the angles that give the cleanest trig results
Determining the exact values of functions
By taking the lengths of the sides of right triangles or the chords of circles and creating ratios with those numbers and variables, our ancestors initiated the birth of trigonometric functions. These functions are of infinite value, because they allow you to use the stars to navigate and to build bridges that won’t fall. If you’re not into navigating a boat or engineering, then you can use the trig functions at home to plan that new addition. And they’re a staple for students going into calculus.
You may be asking, “What is a function? What does it have to do with trigonometry?” In mathematics, a function is a mechanism that takes a value you input into it and churns out an answer, called the output. A function is connected to rules involving mathematical operations or processes.
The six trig functions require one thing of you — inputting ...
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