Q&A for How to Learn Trigonometry

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  • Question
    How can I solve the trigonometric proofs?
    Community Answer
    Trigonometric proofs are quite difficult but you can crack it. Try to solve any one side first: left or right. Then, use trigonometric identities according to the opposing side.
  • Question
    How can I get really good at trigonometry?
    Community Answer
    Practice everyday, even if it means doing the same assignment twice. You can also buy books and exercise books for extra practice. Lastly, you can always consider getting a tutor to help you understand certain topics.
  • Question
    How do I remember trigonometric identities as fast as possible?
    Community Answer
    It's quite difficult to remember trigonometric identities but you can easily learn it by practicing the formulas by writing them out again and again on scrap paper. Write both LHS and RHS of formulas again and again, as this will help you to properly remember.
  • Question
    Are there any tricks to learning trigonometric ratios?
    Community Answer
    It's easy. First see the trigo ratio table, then you will find that the ratios of sin30Ëš & cos60Ëš are the same. Likewise, the ratios of cos30Ëš & sin60Ëš are similar. Sin and cos45Ëš are 1/√2. Tan30Ëš & 60Ëš are just the opposites. For 0Ëš- 0,1,0 and 90Ëš-1,0, undefined. Learn in the form of sinx,cosx and tanx for all the ratios.
  • Question
    Is it possible learn trigonometric formulas in a single day?
    Community Answer
    Trigonometric ratios are easy to learn. The acronym for them is SOH-CAH-TOA, meaning that sin theta is equal to opposite over hypotenuse, cos theta is equal to adjacent over hypotenuse, and tan theta is equal to opposite over adjacent.
  • Question
    I have a test coming up on trigonometry. What are the most important formulas to remember?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    The most often used functions are sine, cosine, and tangent. The other main functions are simply the reciprocals of these three.
  • Question
    How can I determine the height of the gym in my school using trigonometry?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    You would need a calculator, a measuring tape, and an instrument called a sextant. You would set up the sextant at a measured distance from a wall. (Set up as far from the wall as possible.) Use the sextant to find the angle at the sextant between the floor of the gym and the top of the wall (the ceiling of the gym). Use a trigonometry table to find the tangent of the measured angle. Multiply the tangent by the distance from the sextant to the wall. That gives you the distance from the sextant to the ceiling. Add the distance from the sextant to the floor, and you have the full height of the ceiling. If you want the height of the roof, you'd have to do this same procedure outside.
  • Question
    How do I study without a tutor?
    Community Answer
    As long as you can collect the relevant resources, studying without a tutor should be easy. If you have a textbook for the subject, you should be fine. Alternatively, there are plenty of resources online if you need assistance.
  • Question
    Should a student take Geometry class before taking Trigonometry? Can one succeed by skipping Geometry since they are similar?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    It's customary to study geometry before taking trig, but it's not absolutely necessary. It's just helpful in understanding the relationship between angles and sides in a triangle.
  • Question
    Why do we use trigonometry?
    Community Answer
    Trigonometry is the mathematical basis for describing rotations and periodic phenomena of all kinds, which are found in astronomy, mechanical/electrical engineering, music, biology, and much more. Trigonometry is also used to find the distance of nearby stars and other astronomical objects. Finally, the fast Fourier transform -- an algorithm that decomposes a complex wave into sines and cosines -- is used ubiquitously for signal analysis, data compression, and other similar applications.
  • Question
    Solve this equation sinA=sin9A
    Orangejews
    Community Answer
    Start with the obvious solution A=9A=0. But there may be more since sine isn't a one to one function. You can find the others by solving A = 9A +2pi k, for any integer k. (Using the periodicity of sine.) Now add in the reflective symmetry and solve A = pi-(9A + 2 pi k).
  • Question
    What does "pi" mean?
    Community Answer
    3.14159. You can even remember this as the 14th day of March. You can think of pi like the eating kind of pie. You can think of pi in any way you prefer.
  • Question
    Are geometry and trigonometry related?
    Community Answer
    Both depend on angles and distances. Geometry mostly focuses on angles only in terms of equality of angles and sums of angles. Trigonometry focuses on the Identities, Functions, and the Arc Circle.
  • Question
    Is trig and Euclidean geometry related?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Yes. Trig deals with angles and triangles. Geometry is a good introduction to those topics.
  • Question
    When will I use trigonometry in real life?
    Community Answer
    Trigonometry is used in architecture, music theory, engineering, manufacturing, design, and even things like measuring the height of tides in oceanography.
  • Question
    How do I calculate the height of a tree by trigonometry?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    First position yourself a convenient, measurable distance from the tree (the actual distance doesn't make too much difference). Measure that distance. Next use a tool such as a sextant to measure the vertical angle at your position between the ground and the top of the tree. Then use a trig table to find the tangent of the angle you've measured. Finally multiply the tangent by the distance from you to the tree. That gives you the height of the tree.
  • Question
    1 / tan X is the same as what?
    Community Answer
    1 / tan x (the reciprocal of tan x) is the cot x (the cotangent).
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