Trigonometry Formulas

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

 

What Are 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.

 

These formulas are divided into several categories:

  • 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.


List of All Trigonometry Formulas

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.

Basic Formulas for Trigonometric Ratios

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:

Definitions:

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.

Formulas:

 

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.

 

Reciprocal Trigonometric Identities

These identities show that certain trigonometric functions are reciprocals of others. These are particularly helpful for simplifying expressions or solving equations.

Reciprocal Formulas:

  • 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 Identities

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:

Identities:

  • 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!

 

Trigonometric Ratio Table (Standard Angles)

At specific angles (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°), trigonometric ratios have precise values. Without a calculator, these are essential for speedy problem solving.

Table:

 

θ (Degrees)

sin(θ)

cos(θ)

tan(θ)

csc(θ)

sec(θ)

cot(θ)

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.

 

Unit Circle Formulas

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.

What is the significance of 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.

Coordinates:

 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)

Reciprocal Functions:

  • 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

 

Trigonometry Periodic Identities (in Radians)

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.

Periods of common Trigonometric functions:

 

Function

Period (in radians)

Periodic Identity

sin⁡x

sin⁡(x+2π)=sin⁡x

cos⁡x

2π2

cos⁡(x+2π)=cos⁡x

tan⁡x

π

tan⁡(x+π)=tan⁡x

cot⁡x

π

cot⁡(x+π)=cot⁡x\

sec⁡x

2π2

sec⁡(x+2π)=sec⁡x

csc⁡x

2π2

csc⁡(x+2π)=csc⁡x

 

Explanation:

  • 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.

Why is this important?

  • It simplifies solving trigonometric equations.

  • Helps in graphing trig functions.

  • Useful in signal processing and waves.

Signs of Trigonometric Functions by Quadrants

  • 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

 

Co-function Identities

  • 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

 

Sum & Difference Formulas

  • 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)

 

Double Angle Formulas

  • 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)

 

Half Angle Formulas

  • 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

 

Product-to-Sum Formulas

  • 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)]

 

Triple Angle Formulas

  • sin 3A = 3 sin A − 4 sin³ A

  • cos 3A = 4 cos³ A − 3 cos A

 

Summary Table: Trigonometry Formulas List

 

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

 

Real-Life Applications of Trigonometry Formulas

  • 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.

 

Fun Facts about Trigonometry

  • 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.

 

Conclusion

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!

 

Related Links

 

FAQs on Trigonometry Formulas

Q1: What are the basic trigonometric ratios?

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.

 

Q2: What is the difference between reciprocal identities and basic ratios?

A: Reciprocal identities express functions like cosecant (csc), secant (sec), and cotangent (cot) as the reciprocals of sine, cosine, and tangent, respectively.

 

Q3: Why are Pythagorean identities important?

A: Pythagorean identities help relate different trigonometric functions and simplify expressions using the Pythagorean theorem.

 

Q4: How does the unit circle help in trigonometry?

A: The unit circle extends trigonometric functions to all angles, including those greater than 90°, and shows the periodic nature of these functions.

 

Q5: What is the period of sine and cosine functions?

A: Both sine and cosine functions have a period of 2π2\pi2π radians, meaning their values repeat every 2π2\pi2π.

 

Q6: Can Trigonometry Formulas be used in real life?

A: Yes! Trigonometry is used in fields like engineering, physics, architecture, astronomy, and even in computer graphics.

 

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