Trigonometric Functions through Right Triangle Similarities
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Date
2013
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Abstract
This article presents an introduction to the trigonometric functions tangent, cosecant, secant,
and cotangent. Students understand these functions as quotients of the sine and cosine functions only.
However, applying right triangle geometry to a triangle constructed within the unit circle develops the
remaining trigonometric functions as ratios of side lengths, fostering stronger student understanding.
Description
Keywords
trigonometry, unit circle, mathematical connections, dynamic mathematics software
Citation
Ohio Journal of School Mathematics, no. 68 (2013), 33-42.