Chapter 3
Finding Degrees in Triangles and Planes
IN THIS CHAPTER
Measuring angles in degrees
Putting angles in standard position
Finding many measures for the same angles
Getting angles to work for you
The main concept that distinguishes trigonometry from other mathematical topics is its attention to and dependence on angle measures. The trig functions (sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant, and cosecant) are ratios based on the measures of an angle. What good are degrees (no, not the kind that tell you how hot or cold it is) in the real world? Navigators, carpenters, and astronauts can’t do without them. How do you measure the degrees? You have many ways, dear reader, and I show you all you need to know in this chapter.
Angles, Angles Everywhere: Measuring in Degrees
What’s a degree? When you graduate from college, you get your degree. The temperature outside went up a degree. When questioned, you get the third degree. All these scenarios use the word degree, but in trigonometry, a degree is a tiny slice of a circle. Imagine a pizza cut into 360 equal pieces (what a mess). ...
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