Trigonometry Table

Introduction  

A trigonometry table is a helpful tool for anyone learning trigonometry. It lists the values of sine, cosine, tangent, cosecant, secant, and cotangent for common angles such as 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°. Knowing these values makes it easier to solve problems with triangles, angles, and distances. These trigonometry ratios are applied widely in geometry and in professions like architecture, navigation, astronomy, and physics. It also serves as a foundation for calculus and higher-level mathematics. Trigonometry is useful in many real-life situations, from finding the height of a mountain to measuring the distance to stars. In this article, we have explained in detail about trigonometry table and how is useful in solving various math problems. After you get comfortable with using the trigonometry table, you can move on to more advanced concepts like trigonometry identities and formulas used in solving questions.

 

Table of Contents  

 

Trigonometry Table

A trigonometry table is a chart that shows the values of sine, cosine, tangent, and other ratios for common angles. 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°. These values are key for solving various trigonometric problems without a calculator. The table includes values for sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant, and cosecant. It simplifies calculations and aids in solving trigonometric equations. 
 

Trigonometry Table Values

Learning trigonometric table is helpful in many ways. It is applied in the field of engineering and navigation. It has been in use since the pre-digital era, even before the pocket calculators came into existence. It has also contributed to the development of the very first mechanical computing devices.

Here’s the standard trigonometry table for quick reference: 

Angles (In Degrees)

30°

45°

60°

90°

180°

270°

360°

Angles (In Radians)

π/6

π/4

π/3

π/2

π

3π/2

sin

0

1/2

1/√2

√3/2

1

0

-1

0

cos

1

√3/2

1/√2

1/2

0

-1

0

1

tan

0

1/√3

1

√3

0

0

cot

√3

1

1/√3

0

0

cosec

2

√2

2/√3

1

-1

sec

1

2/√3

√2

2

-1

1


Standard Angles in a Trigonometric Table

The angle values 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90°are commonly used in trigonometry to solve the problems and are called the standard angles in trigonometry.

 

Angle (°)

Sin

Cos

Tan

Cot

Sec

Cosec

0

1

0

1

30°

1/2

√3/2

1/√3

√3

2/√3

2

45°

1/√2

1/√2

1

1

√2

√2

60°

√3/2

1/2

√3

1/√3

2

2/√3

90°

1

0

0

1

 

How to Remember Trigonometric Table

Use these tips to help remember the trigonometry table:  

  • Finger Rule: Use your fingers to recall sin and cos values for 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°.  

  • Patterns: Look for patterns in sin and cos values, as they reflect each other.  

  • Mnemonics: Use phrases like "Some People Have Curly Brown Hair Till Painted Black" to remember sin, cos, tan, etc.  

  • Practice: Solve multiple questions using the trigonometry chart until it feels natural.  

Trigonometry Formula You Should Know

Every student should memorize the basic trigonometry formulas used to solve different problems:  

  • sin²θ + cos²θ = 1  

  • 1 + tan²θ = sec²θ  

  • 1 + cot²θ = cosec²θ  

  • sin θ = Opposite / Hypotenuse  

  • cos θ = Adjacent / Hypotenuse  

  • tan θ = Opposite / Adjacent  

  • cot θ = 1/tan θ  

  • sec θ = 1/cos θ  

  • cosec θ = 1/sin θ  

These formulas help check trigonometry rules and solve problems with angles and sides.

 

Trigonometry Chart Explanation

A trigonometry chart visually represents the trigonometric ratios for various angles. It helps in:  

  • Understanding how trigonometric functions behave.  

  • Identifying values that increase or decrease with the angle.  

  • Supporting easier recall of trigonometric table values.  

 

Identities of Trigonometry

Trigonometry identities are basic equations with sine, cosine, and tangent that work for every angle. Here are the essential identities:  

  • sin²θ + cos²θ = 1  

  • tan θ = sin θ / cos θ  

  • cot θ = cos θ / sin θ  

  • sec²θ - tan²θ = 1  

  • cosec²θ - cot²θ = 1  

These identities are important tools for simplifying and proving complex trigonometric expressions.

 

Common Misconceptions in Trigonometry

  • Trigonometry works only in triangles: While it starts with triangles, it is also used in circles and periodic functions.  

  • tan 90° and cot 0° exist: These values are undefined since they tend to infinity.  

  • All identities apply to any triangle: Most trigonometric formulas and identities apply only to right-angled triangles.  

  • Trigonometry is only for math students: It is relevant in fields such as engineering, medicine, and space exploration.  

  • Memorizing tables is enough: Understanding the logic and applications is just as important as memorizing the trigonometric table.  

 

Fun Facts

  • Used in GPS and Navigation: Trigonometry helps locate places and calculate distances in GPS systems.  

  • Architecture and Design: Buildings, bridges, and monuments use trigonometry in their design.  

  • Astronomy: It determines distances between stars and planets.  

  • Music and Sound Engineering: Sound waves are calculated using values from the trigonometric table.  

  • Video Games and Animations: Motion and angles of characters rely on trigonometric identities.  

 

Solved Examples on Trigonometry Table

Example 1:  

Find the value of sin 30° and cos 60°.  

Solution:  

According to the trigonometry table,  

sin 30° = 1/2, cos 60° = 1/2.  

 

Example 2:  

Verify that sin²45° + cos²45° = 1.  

Solution:  

sin 45° = 1/√2, cos 45° = 1/√2.  

So, (1/√2)² + (1/√2)² = 1/2 + 1/2 = 1.  

 

Example 3:  

Find tan 60° using the trigonometry chart.  

Solution:  

tan 60° = √3.  

 

Example 4:  

Find cot 30° and cosec 30°.  

Solution:  

cot 30° = √3, cosec 30° = 2 (from the trigonometry table).  

 

Example 5:  

Use the identity to find sec θ if tan θ = √3.  

Solution:  

We apply the identity:  

1 + tan²θ = sec²θ.  

1 + 3 = sec²θ → sec²θ = 4 → sec θ = 2.  

 

Conclusion

Trigonometry is more than just a collection of formulas; it's a powerful mathematical tool used in science, engineering, and everyday life. By learning what trigonometry is, remembering the table, and using simple formulas, you can solve even tough problems with ease. Regular practice with the trigonometry chart and solving real-life examples will help achieve mastery in this topic. Start your journey into the world of trigonometry today to discover how essential and exciting this subject can be!

  

Frequently Asked Questions on Trigonometry Table

1. What are the important questions in trigonometry?  

Answer: Questions about identities, height and distance, trigonometric ratios, and equations are the most important in trigonometry.

 

2. How to easily remember a trigonometric table?  

Answer: Use the pattern of square roots divided by 2 (√0/2 to √4/2) for sine and cosine values at standard angles.

 

3. Who is the father of the trigonometry table?  

Answer: Hipparchus, a Greek astronomer, is recognised as the father of the trigonometric table.

 

4. Which trigonometric value is infinity?  

Answer: The value of tan 90° (or sec 90°) is undefined or considered infinity in trigonometry.

 

Master the Trigonometry Table with expert guidance at Orchids The International School.

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