Directory Image
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Trigonometric Functions

Author: Vedant Verma
by Vedant Verma
Posted: Jun 06, 2021

Trigonometric functions (also known as circle functions, angle functions, or goniometric functions) are real functions that connect the angle of a right-angled triangle to ratios of two side lengths in mathematics. They primarily serve a purpose in all geodetic sciences, including navigation, solid mechanics, celestial mechanics, geodesy, along with many others. They are among the simplest periodic functions, and as a result, they are often used in Fourier analysis to analyse periodic phenomena.

Trigonometric functions, also known as Circular Functions, are the functions of a triangle's angles. This implies that these functions determine the relationship between the angles and sides of a triangle. Sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant, and cosecant are the basic trigonometric functions. Here you can also learn about trigonometric identities. There are several trigonometric formulas and identities that denote the relationship between functions and aid in the determination of the different angles of a triangle. All of these trigonometric functions, along with their formulas, are discussed in detail here to help you understand them.

Six Trigonometric Functions:

The sine, cosine, and tangent angles are the basic classifications of trigonometric functions. The cotangent, secant, and cosecant functions can all be deduced from the primary functions. In comparison to the main trigonometric functions, the other three functions are often used. The right-angled triangle is often used to describe trigonometry. The following are the six functions in trigonometry:

Sine function:

The ratio of the opposite side length to the hypotenuse is known as the sine function of an angle. The value of sin is:

CB/CA = Sin a =Opposite/Hypotenuse

Cos Function:

The ratio of the length of the adjacent side to the length of the hypotenuse is the cos function of an angle. The cos function can be calculated using the formula below.

AB/CA = Cos a = Adjacent/Hypotenuse

Tangent Function:

The tangent function is the length of the opposite side divided by the length of the neighbouring side. It's worth noting that the tan can also be expressed as the ratio of sine and cos. The tan function will be calculated as follows:

CB/BA = CB/BA = Tan a = Opposite/Adjacent

Tan can also be expressed in terms of sine and cos:

sin a/cos a = tan a

Functions of Secant, Cosecant, and Cotangent:

The three additional functions secant, cosecant (csc), and cotangent are derived from the primary functions sine, cos, and tan. Cosecant (csc), secant (sec), and cotangent (cot) are the reciprocals of sine, cos, and tan, respectively.

To obtain an angle from each of the angle's trigonometric ratios, inverse trigonometric functions are used.

Identities:

The identities related to trigonometric functions are listed below.

Even and odd functions:

The cos and sec functions are even, while the rest of the functions are odd.

sin(-x) = -sin x

cos(-x) = cos x

tan(-x) = – tan x

cot(-x) = -cot x

csc(-x) = -csc x

sec(-x) = sec x

Periodic Functions:

The periodic functions are trig functions. The shortest periodic cycle for tangent is 2? but for cotangent is just?, respectively.

sin(x+2n?) = sin x

cos(x+2n?) = cos x

tan(x+n?) = tan x

cot(x+n?) = cot x

csc(x+2n?) = csc x

sec(x+2n?) = sec x

Where n can be either a positive or negative number.

Pythagorean Identities:

The Pythagoras theorem is said to be a Pythagorean identity when it is formulated in the form of trigonometry functions. There are three main identities:

  • sin² x + cos² x = 1
  • 1+tan² x = sec² x
  • cosec² x = 1 + cot² x

These three identities are crucial in mathematics since they are used to prepare most trigonometry questions in exams. As a result, students can memorise these identities in order to solve problems quickly.

Brief History Of Trigonometric Functions:

While the study of trigonometry dates back to antiquity, the modern trigonometric functions were formulated during the mediaeval era. Hipparchus of Nicaea (180–125 BCE) and Ptolemy of Roman Egypt (90–165 CE) were the first to discover the chord feature. Through translation from Sanskrit to Arabic and then from Arabic to Latin, it can be traced back to the jy and koti-jy functions used in Gupta period in Indian astronomy with mathematicians like Aryabhatiya, Surya Siddhanta.

About the Author

Vedant Love to write helpful articles for the students.

Rate this Article
Leave a Comment
Author Thumbnail
I Agree:
Comment 
Pictures
Author: Vedant Verma

Vedant Verma

Member since: Jan 18, 2021
Published articles: 3

Related Articles