Chapter 6
Basic Trigonometry and the Unit Circle
IN THIS CHAPTER
Working with the six trigonometric ratios
Making use of right triangles to solve word problems
Using the unit circle to find points, angles, and right triangle ratios
Isolating trig terms to solve trig equations
Calculating arc lengths
Ah … trigonometry, the math of triangles! Invented by the ancient Greeks, trigonometry is used to solve problems in navigation, astronomy, and surveying. Think of a sailor lost at sea. All he has to do is triangulate his position against two other objects, such as two stars, and calculate his position using — you guessed it — trigonometry!
In this chapter, the basics of right triangle trigonometry are reviewed. Then you see how to apply that knowledge to the unit circle, a very useful tool for graphically representing trigonometric ratios and relationships. From there, you can solve trig equations. Finally, these concepts are combined so that you can apply them to arcs. The ancient Greeks ...
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