Trigonometry facts for kids

Trigonometry (from the Greek trigonon = three angles and metron = measure) is a part of elementary mathematics dealing with angles, triangles and trigonometric functions such as sine (abbreviated sin), cosine (abbreviated cos) and tangent (abbreviated tan). It has some connection to geometry, although there is disagreement on exactly what that connection is; for some, trigonometry is just a section of geometry.

Overview and definitions

A standard right triangle. C is the right angle in this picture

Trigonometry uses a large number of specific words to describe parts of a triangle. Some of the definitions in trigonometry are:

• Right-angled triangle - A right-angled triangle is a triangle that has an angle that is equal to 90 degrees. (A triangle cannot have more than one right angle) The standard trigonometric ratios can only be used on right-angled triangles.
• Hypotenuse - The hypotenuse of a triangle is the longest side, and the side that is opposite the right angle. For example, for the triangle on the right, the hypotenuse is side c.
• Opposite of an angle - The opposite side of an angle is the side that does not intersect with the vertex of the angle. For example, side a is the opposite of angle A in the triangle to the right.
• Adjacent of an angle - The adjacent side of an angle is the side that intersects the vertex of the angle but is not the hypotenuse. For example, side b is adjacent to angle A in the triangle to the right.

Trigonometric ratios

There are three main trigonometric ratios for right triangles, and three reciprocals of those ratios. There are 6 total ratios. They are:

Sine (sin) - The sine of an angle is equal to the ${Opposite \over Hypotenuse}$

Cosine (cos) - The cosine of an angle is equal to the ${Adjacent \over Hypotenuse}$

Tangent (tan) - The tangent of an angle is equal to the ${Opposite \over Adjacent}$

The reciprocals of these ratios are:

Cosecant (csc) - The cosecant of an angle is equal to the ${Hypotenuse \over Opposite}$ or $\csc \theta = {1 \over \sin \theta}$

Secant (sec) - The secant of an angle is equal to the ${Hypotenuse \over Adjacent}$ or $\sec \theta = {1 \over \cos \theta}$

Cotangent (cot) - The cotangent of an angle is equal to the ${Adjacent \over Opposite}$ or $\cot \theta = {1 \over \tan \theta}$

Students often use a mnemonic to remember this relationship. The sine, cosine, and tangent ratios in a right triangle can be remembered by representing them as strings of letters, such as SOH-CAH-TOA:

Sine = Opposite ÷ Hypotenuse

Cosine = Adjacent ÷ Hypotenuse

Tangent = Opposite ÷ Adjacent

or:

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or:

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Using trigonometry

With the sines and cosines one can answer virtually all questions about triangles. This is called "solving" the triangle. One can work out the remaining angles and sides of any triangle as soon as two sides and their included angle or two angles and a side or three sides are known. These laws are useful in all branches of geometry, since every polygon may be described as a combination of triangles.

Trigonometry is also vital in surveying, in vector analysis, and in the study of periodic functions.

There is also such a thing as spherical trigonometry, which deals with spherical geometry. This is used for calculations in astronomy, geodesy and navigation.

Images for kids

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  Hipparchus, credited with compiling the first trigonometric table, is known as "the father of trigonometry".

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  Fig. 1a – Sine and cosine of an angle θ defined using the unit circle.

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  Sextants are used to measure the angle of the sun or stars with respect to the horizon. Using trigonometry and a marine chronometer, the position of the ship can be determined from such measurements.

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  Triangle with sides a,b,c and respectively opposite angles A,B,C

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  Graphing process of y = sin(x) using a unit circle.

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  Graphing process of y = csc(x), the reciprocal of sine, using a unit circle.

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  Graphing process of y = tan(x) using a unit circle.