Trigonometry Formulas are important mathematical equations that relate angles and sides of triangles, mainly right-angled triangles. These formulations shape the backbone of many ideas in geometry, physics, engineering, astronomy, and architecture.
Mastering these Trigonometry Formulas helps solve problems concerning heights, distances, waves, oscillations, circular motion, and more.
Table of Contents
What Are Trigonometry Formulas?
List of All Trigonometry Formulas
Basic Trigonometric Ratios
Reciprocal Trigonometric Identities
Pythagorean Identities
Trigonometric Ratio Table (Standard Angles)
Unit Circle Formulas
Periodic Trigonometric Identities
Signs of Trigonometric Functions by Quadrants
Advanced Trigonometric Formulas
Co-function Identities
Sum and Difference Formulas
Double Angle Formulas
Half Angle Formulas
Product-to-Sum Formulas
Triple Angle Formulas
Summary Table: Trigonometry Formulas List
Real-Life Applications of Trigonometry Formulas
FAQs on Trigonometry Formulas
In simple terms, Trigonometry Formulas are mathematical equations or expressions that relate the angles of a triangle to its facets using particular functions. For a right-angled triangle:
Sine (sin) of an angle = ratio of the length of the opposite side to the hypotenuse.
Cosine (cos) of an angle = ratio of the length of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse.
Tangent (tan) of an angle = ratio of the length of the opposite side to the adjacent side.
These are the simple trigonometric capabilities used broadly. Beyond those, other functions like cosecant, secant, and cotangent are reciprocals of sine, cosine, and tangent, respectively.
By the usage of Trigonometry Formulas, you may find unknown sides or angles in triangles, that's helpful in fields ranging from architecture to astronomy.
Basic Trigonometry Formulas
Trigonometric Ratios Formulas
The trigonometric identities
Reciprocal and Pythagorean Identities
Angle Transformation Formulas
Periodic Identities
Additionally, trigonometry comes with a reference chart known as the Trigonometry Table that lists the values of trigonometric functions for familiar angles.
The full list of Trigonometry Formulas under various categories will now be examined. In algebra, calculus, and practical applications, these formulas help in the simplification and resolution of difficult expressions.
The relationships between a right-angled triangle's angles and sides form the basis of trigonometry. These relationships are defined by the fundamental trigonometric ratios using particular sides:
Given a triangle with a right angle:
Opposite side: The side that is opposite to the angle θ is called the opposite side.
Adjacent side: The side that is adjacent to the angle θ, but not the hypotenuse
Hypotenuse: The longest side across from the right angle is called the hypotenuse.
Function |
Formula |
sin(θ) |
Opposite / Hypotenuse |
cos(θ) |
Adjacent / Hypotenuse |
tan(θ) |
Opposite / Adjacent |
csc(θ) |
Hypotenuse / Opposite |
sec(θ) |
Hypotenuse / Adjacent |
cot(θ) |
Adjacent / Opposite |
These six trigonometric functions help calculate missing side lengths or angles in right triangles.
These identities show that certain trigonometric functions are reciprocals of others. These are particularly helpful for simplifying expressions or solving equations.
csc(θ) = 1 / sin(θ)
sec(θ) = 1 / cos(θ)
cot(θ) = 1 / tan(θ)
sin(θ) = 1 / csc(θ)
cos(θ) = 1 / sec(θ)
tan(θ) = 1 / cot(θ)
With the exception of values where division by zero takes place, these identities are valid for all angles where the function is defined.
The Pythagorean Theorem is the source of these identities:
a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2a2+b2=c2
The identities in relation to trigonometric functions are as follows:
sin²(θ) + cos²(θ) = 1
1 + tan²(θ) = sec²(θ)
1 + cot²(θ) = csc²(θ)
Trigonometric equation solving and algebraic simplification both commonly use these identities.
Understanding the trigonometry formula? Explore the Pythagorean Theorem Formula too; it’s all connected!
At specific angles (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°), trigonometric ratios have precise values. Without a calculator, these are essential for speedy problem solving.
θ (Degrees) |
sin(θ) |
cos(θ) |
tan(θ) |
csc(θ) |
sec(θ) |
cot(θ) |
0° |
0 |
1 |
0 |
∞ |
1 |
∞ |
30° |
1/2 |
√3/2 |
1/√3 |
2 |
2/√3 |
√3 |
45° |
√2/2 |
√2/2 |
1 |
√2 |
√2 |
1 |
60° |
√3/2 |
1/2 |
√3 |
2/√3 |
2 |
1/√3 |
90° |
1 |
0 |
∞ |
1 |
∞ |
0 |
This table can be used as a quick reference for solving standard angle problems in trigonometry.
One of the basic ideas in trigonometry is the unit circle. It is a circle in the coordinate plane with a radius of one unit and a center at (0,0). Sine, cosine, and tangent can be defined for any angle, not just those in right triangles, using the unit circle.
Any point on the unit circle has coordinates that are the cosine and sine of the angle formed by the line that connects it to the origin.
This makes it easier to apply trigonometric functions to all angles, including negative and angles larger than 360°, in addition to acute angles.
It gives the trigonometric functions a geometrical interpretation.
Any angle θ on the unit circle is equivalent to a point (x, y), where:
cos(θ) = x
sin(θ) = y
tan(θ) = y / x (if x ≠ 0)
csc(θ) = 1 / y
sec(θ) = 1 / x
cot(θ) = x / y (if y ≠ 0)
The unit circle also helps determine the sign of trig functions in different quadrants:
Quadrant I: All functions are positive
Quadrant II: Only sin and csc are positive
Quadrant III: Only tan and cot are positive
Quadrant IV: Only cos and sec are positive
Periodic trigonometric functions repeat their values at regular intervals. In physics and engineering, knowing periodicity facilitates equation solving and the comprehension of wave-like behaviors.
Function |
Period (in radians) |
Periodic Identity |
sinx |
2π |
sin(x+2π)=sinx |
cosx |
2π2 |
cos(x+2π)=cosx |
tanx |
π |
tan(x+π)=tanx |
cotx |
π |
cot(x+π)=cotx\ |
secx |
2π2 |
sec(x+2π)=secx |
cscx |
2π2 |
csc(x+2π)=cscx |
Sine and cosine functions repeat every 2π2 radians (360°), meaning after a full revolution, their values repeat.
Tangent and cotangent have a shorter period of π\piπ radians (180°), as their pattern repeats twice in a full revolution.
It simplifies solving trigonometric equations.
Helps in graphing trig functions.
Useful in signal processing and waves.
1st quadrant (0°–90°): All positive
2nd quadrant (90°–180°): sin and cosec positive
3rd quadrant (180°–270°): tan and cot positive
4th quadrant (270°–360°): cos and sec positive
sin(90° − x) = cos x
cos(90° − x) = sin x
tan(90° − x) = cot x
cot(90° − x) = tan x
sec(90° − x) = cosec x
cosec(90° − x) = sec x
sin(A + B) = sin A cos B + cos A sin B
sin(A − B) = sin A cos B − cos A sin
cos(A + B) = cos A cos B − sin A sin B
cos(A − B) = cos A cos B + sin A sin B
tan(A + B) = (tan A + tan B) / (1 − tan A tan B)
tan(A − B) = (tan A − tan B) / (1 + tan A tan B)
sin 2A = 2 sin A cos A
cos 2A = cos² A − sin² A = 2 cos² A − 1 = 1 − 2 sin² A
tan 2A = 2 tan A / (1 − tan² A)
sin (A/2) = ±√[(1 − cos A)/2]
cos (A/2) = ±√[(1 + cos A)/2]
tan (A/2) = ±√[(1 − cos A)/(1 + cos A)] = sin A / (1 + cos A) = (1 − cos A) / sin A
sin A sin B = ½ [cos(A − B) − cos(A + B)]
cos A cos B = ½ [cos(A − B) + cos(A + B)]
sin A cos B = ½ [sin(A + B) + sin(A − B)]
sin 3A = 3 sin A − 4 sin³ A
cos 3A = 4 cos³ A − 3 cos A
Type |
Formula Examples |
Trigonometric Ratios |
sin θ = P/H, tan θ = P/B |
Reciprocal Identities |
sec θ = 1/cos θ |
Pythagorean Identities |
sin²θ + cos²θ = 1 |
Co-function Identities |
sin(90° − θ) = cos θ |
Negative Angle Identities |
sin(−θ) = −sin θ |
Periodic Identities |
sin(θ + 2π) = sin θ |
Unit Circle Identities |
cos θ = x, sin θ = y |
Navigation: To determine distance and angles in GPS systems.
Architecture: To calculate slope, height, and design of roofs, bridges, and buildings.
Astronomy: To measure angles between stars, orbits, and distances.
Physics: To analyze wave motion, oscillations, and forces.
Engineering: In mechanical design, electrical circuits, and more.
The word trigonometry is derived from the Greek words "trigonon" (triangle) and "metron" (measure).
Indian mathematician Aryabhata used early forms of trigonometry in 500 CE.
Greek astronomer Hipparchus first developed the trigonometric table.
Understanding periodic functions and the relationships between angles and sides in triangles requires the use of Trigonometry Formulas. Effective problem-solving and equation-solving are facilitated by an understanding of fundamental ratios, identities, and unit circle concepts. These formulas become effective tools in science, math, and engineering with consistent practice. To confidently become an expert in trigonometry, keep practicing!
Hypotenuse Calculator - Explore our calculator to quickly find any right triangle's hypotenuse.
Trigonometric Identities - Master the key trigonometric formulas and identities to solve problems with ease and confidence.
A: The basic trigonometric ratios are sine (sin), cosine (cos), and tangent (tan). They relate the angles of a right triangle to the ratios of its sides.
A: Reciprocal identities express functions like cosecant (csc), secant (sec), and cotangent (cot) as the reciprocals of sine, cosine, and tangent, respectively.
A: Pythagorean identities help relate different trigonometric functions and simplify expressions using the Pythagorean theorem.
A: The unit circle extends trigonometric functions to all angles, including those greater than 90°, and shows the periodic nature of these functions.
A: Both sine and cosine functions have a period of 2π2\pi2π radians, meaning their values repeat every 2π2\pi2π.
A: Yes! Trigonometry is used in fields like engineering, physics, architecture, astronomy, and even in computer graphics.
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