title | layout |
---|---|
The Other Trigonometric Functions |
page |
π 4 ,
and π 6 .
- Use reference angles to evaluate the trigonometric functions secant, cosecant, tangent, and cotangent.
- Use properties of even and odd trigonometric functions.
- Recognize and use fundamental identities.
- Evaluate trigonometric functions with a calculator.
A wheelchair ramp that meets the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act must make an angle with the ground whose tangent is 1 12
or less, regardless of its length. A tangent represents a ratio, so this means that for every 1 inch of rise, the ramp must have 12 inches of run. Trigonometric functions allow us to specify the shapes and proportions of objects independent of exact dimensions. We have already defined the sine and cosine functions of an angle. Though sine and cosine are the trigonometric functions most often used, there are four others. Together they make up the set of six trigonometric functions. In this section, we will investigate the remaining functions.
To define the remaining functions, we will once again draw a unit circle with a point ( x,y )
corresponding to an angle of t,
as shown in [link]. As with the sine and cosine, we can use the ( x,y )
coordinates to find the other functions.
The first function we will define is the tangent. The tangent{: data-type="term"} of an angle is the ratio of the y-value to the x-value of the corresponding point on the unit circle. In [link], the tangent of angle t
is equal to y x ,x≠0.
Because the y-value is equal to the sine of t,
and the x-value is equal to the cosine of t,
the tangent of angle t
can also be defined as sin t cos t ,cos t≠0.
The tangent function is abbreviated as tan.
The remaining three functions can all be expressed as reciprocals of functions we have already defined.
-
The secant{: data-type="term"} function is the reciprocal of the cosine function. In [link], the secant of angle t
is equal to 1 cos t = 1 x ,x≠0.
The secant function is abbreviated as sec.
-
The cotangent{: data-type="term"} function is the reciprocal of the tangent function. In [link], the cotangent of angle t
is equal to cos t sin t = x y , y≠0.
The cotangent function is abbreviated as cot.
-
The cosecant{: data-type="term"} function is the reciprocal of the sine function. In [link], the cosecant of angle t
is equal to 1 sin t = 1 y ,y≠0.
The cosecant function is abbreviated as csc.
is a real number and (x,y)
is a point where the terminal side of an angle of t
radians intercepts the unit circle, then
is on the unit circle, as shown in [link]. Find sin t,cos t,tan t,sec t,csc t,
and cot t.
coordinates of the point on the unit circle indicated by angle t,
we can use those coordinates to find the six functions:
is on the unit circle, as shown in [link]. Find sin t,cos t,tan t,sec t,csc t,
and cot t.
and cot t
when t= π 6 .
and cos π 6 = 3 2 .
We can use these values and the definitions of tangent, secant, cosecant, and cotangent as functions of sine and cosine to find the remaining function values.* * * {: data-type="newline" data-count="1"}
and cot t
when t= π 3 .
Because we know the sine and cosine values for the common first-quadrant angles, we can find the other function values for those angles as well by setting x
equal to the cosine and y
equal to the sine and then using the definitions of tangent, secant, cosecant, and cotangent. The results are shown in [link].
| Angle | 0 | π 6 , or 30° | π 4 , or 45° | π 3 , or 60° | π 2 , or 90° | | Cosine | 1 | 3 2
| 2 2
| 1 2
| 0 | | Sine | 0 | 1 2
| 2 2
| 3 2
| 1 | | Tangent | 0 | 3 3
| 1 | 3
| Undefined | | Secant | 1 | 2 3 3
| 2
| 2 | Undefined | | Cosecant | Undefined | 2 | 2
| 2 3 3
| 1 | | Cotangent | Undefined | 3
| 1 | 3 3
| 0 | {: #Table_05_03_01 summary=".."}
We can evaluate trigonometric functions of angles outside the first quadrant using reference angles as we have already done with the sine and cosine functions. The procedure is the same: Find the reference angle{: data-type="term" .no-emphasis} formed by the terminal side of the given angle with the horizontal axis. The trigonometric function values for the original angle will be the same as those for the reference angle, except for the positive or negative sign, which is determined by x- and y-values in the original quadrant. [link] shows which functions are positive in which quadrant.
To help us remember which of the six trigonometric functions are positive in each quadrant, we can use the mnemonic phrase “A Smart Trig Class.” Each of the four words in the phrase corresponds to one of the four quadrants, starting with quadrant I and rotating counterclockwise. In quadrant I, which is “A,” **a**ll of the six trigonometric functions are positive. In quadrant II, “Smart,” only **s**ine and its reciprocal function, cosecant, are positive. In quadrant III, “Trig,” only **t**angent and its reciprocal function, cotangent, are positive. Finally, in quadrant IV, “Class,” only **c**osine and its reciprocal function, secant, are positive.
- Measure the angle formed by the terminal side of the given angle and the horizontal axis. This is the reference angle.
- Evaluate the function at the reference angle.
- Observe the quadrant where the terminal side of the original angle is located. Based on the quadrant, determine whether the output is positive or negative. {: type="1"}
so that is the reference angle. Since − 5π 6
is in the third quadrant, where both x
and y
are negative, cosine, sine, secant, and cosecant will be negative, while tangent and cotangent will be positive.
{: data-type="newline"}
sec( −7π 4 )= 2 ,csc( −7π 4 )= 2 ,cot( −7π 4 )=1
To be able to use our six trigonometric functions freely with both positive and negative angle inputs, we should examine how each function treats a negative input. As it turns out, there is an important difference among the functions in this regard.
Consider the function f(x)= x 2 ,
shown in [link]. The graph of the function is symmetrical about the y-axis. All along the curve, any two points with opposite x-values have the same function value. This matches the result of calculation: (4) 2 = (−4) 2 ,
(−5) 2 = (5) 2 ,
and so on. So f(x)= x 2
is an even function{: data-type="term" .no-emphasis}, a function such that two inputs that are opposites have the same output. That means f( −x )=f( x ).
Now consider the function f(x)= x 3 ,
shown in [link]. The graph is not symmetrical about the y-axis. All along the graph, any two points with opposite x-values also have opposite y-values. So f(x)= x 3
is an odd function{: data-type="term" .no-emphasis}, one such that two inputs that are opposites have outputs that are also opposites. That means f( −x )=−f( x ).
We can test whether a trigonometric function is even or odd by drawing a unit circle{: data-type="term" .no-emphasis} with a positive and a negative angle, as in [link]. The sine of the positive angle is y.
The sine of the negative angle is −y. The sine function{: data-type="term" .no-emphasis}, then, is an odd function. We can test each of the six trigonometric functions in this fashion. The results are shown in [link].
| sin t=y sin(−t)=−y sin t≠sin(−t)
| cos t=x cos(−t)=x cos t=cos(−t)
| tan(t)= y x tan(−t)=− y x tan t≠tan(−t)
| | sec t= 1 x sec(−t)= 1 x sec t=sec(−t)
| csc t= 1 y csc(−t)= 1 −y csc t≠csc(−t)
| cot t= x y cot(−t)= x −y cot t≠cot(−t)
| {: #Table_05_03_02 summary=".."}
An odd function{: data-type="term" .no-emphasis} is one in which f(−x)=−f(x).
Cosine and secant are even:
is 2, what is the secant of −t?
is also 2.
is 3 ,
what is the cotangent of −t?
We have explored a number of properties of trigonometric functions. Now, we can take the relationships a step further, and derive some fundamental identities. Identities are statements that are true for all values of the input on which they are defined. Usually, identities can be derived from definitions and relationships we already know. For example, the Pythagorean Identity we learned earlier was derived from the Pythagorean Theorem and the definitions of sine and cosine.
evaluate
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mrow> <mi>tan</mi><mo stretchy="false">(</mo><mn>45°</mn><mo stretchy="false">)</mo><mo>.</mo> </mrow> </math>
- Given sin( 5π 6 )= 1 2 ,cos( 5π 6 )=− 3 2 ,evaluate sec( 5π 6 ). {: type="a"}
-
tan(45°)= sin(45°) cos(45°) = 2 2 2 2 =1
-
sec( 5π 6 )= 1 cos( 5π 6 ) = 1 − 3 2 = −2 3 =− 2 3 3 {: type="a"}
can be simplified to csc t,
we have, in fact, established a new identity.
We can use these fundamental identities to derive alternative forms of the Pythagorean Identity{: data-type="term" .no-emphasis}, cos 2 t+ sin 2 t=1.
One form is obtained by dividing both sides by cos 2 t:
The other form is obtained by dividing both sides by sin 2 t:
and t
is in quadrant IV, as shown in [link], find the values of the other five trigonometric functions.
and the remaining functions by relating them to sine and cosine.
The remaining functions can be calculated using identities relating them to sine and cosine.
and 0<t<π,
find the values of the other five functions.
{: data-type="newline"}
csct= 17 15 ,cott=− 8 15
As we discussed in the chapter opening, a function that repeats its values in regular intervals is known as a periodic function{: data-type="term" .no-emphasis}. The trigonometric functions are periodic. For the four trigonometric functions, sine, cosine, cosecant and secant, a revolution of one circle, or 2π,
will result in the same outputs for these functions. And for tangent and cotangent, only a half a revolution will result in the same outputs.
Other functions can also be periodic. For example, the lengths of months repeat every four years. If x
represents the length time, measured in years, and f(x)
represents the number of days in February, then f(x+4)=f(x).
This pattern repeats over and over through time. In other words, every four years, February is guaranteed to have the same number of days as it did 4 years earlier. The positive number 4 is the smallest positive number that satisfies this condition and is called the period. A period is the shortest interval over which a function completes one full cycle—in this example, the period is 4 and represents the time it takes for us to be certain February has the same number of days.
of a repeating function f
is the number representing the interval such that f(x+P)=f(x)
for any value of x.
The period of the cosine, sine, secant, and cosecant functions is 2π.
The period of the tangent and cotangent functions is π.
based on [link].
based on [link].
and cos(t)= 1 2 ,
find sec(t),csc(t),tan(t), cot(t).
and cos( t )= 2 2 ,
find sec(t),csc(t),tan(t), and cot(t).
We have learned how to evaluate the six trigonometric functions for the common first-quadrant angles and to use them as reference angles for angles in other quadrants. To evaluate trigonometric functions of other angles, we use a scientific or graphing calculator or computer software. If the calculator has a degree mode and a radian mode, confirm the correct mode is chosen before making a calculation.
Evaluating a tangent function with a scientific calculator as opposed to a graphing calculator or computer algebra system is like evaluating a sine or cosine: Enter the value and press the TAN key. For the reciprocal functions, there may not be any dedicated keys that say CSC, SEC, or COT. In that case, the function must be evaluated as the reciprocal of a sine, cosine, or tangent.
If we need to work with degrees and our calculator or software does not have a degree mode, we can enter the degrees multiplied by the conversion factor π 180
to convert the degrees to radians. To find the secant of 30°,
we could press
or
-
If the calculator has degree mode and radian mode, set it to radian mode.
-
Enter: 1 /
-
Enter the value of the angle inside parentheses.
-
Press the SIN key.
-
Press the = key. {: type="1"}
-
If the graphing utility has degree mode and radian mode, set it to radian mode.
-
Enter: 1 /
-
Press the SIN key.
-
Enter the value of the angle inside parentheses.
-
Press the ENTER key. {: type="1"}
| Tangent function | tan t= sint cost
| | Secant function | sec t= 1 cost
| | Cosecant function | csc t= 1 sint
| | Cotangent function | cot t= 1 tan t = cos t sin t
| {: #eip-id1165134112952 summary=".."}
-
The tangent of an angle is the ratio of the y-value to the x-value of the corresponding point on the unit circle.
-
The secant, cotangent, and cosecant are all reciprocals of other functions. The secant is the reciprocal of the cosine function, the cotangent is the reciprocal of the tangent function, and the cosecant is the reciprocal of the sine function.
-
The six trigonometric functions can be found from a point on the unit circle. See [link].
-
Trigonometric functions can also be found from an angle. See [link].
-
Trigonometric functions of angles outside the first quadrant can be determined using reference angles. See [link].
-
A function is said to be even if f(−x)=f(x)
and odd if f( −x )=−f( x ).
-
Cosine and secant are even; sine, tangent, cosecant, and cotangent are odd.
-
Even and odd properties can be used to evaluate trigonometric functions. See [link].
-
The Pythagorean Identity makes it possible to find a cosine from a sine or a sine from a cosine.
-
Identities can be used to evaluate trigonometric functions. See [link] and [link].
-
Fundamental identities such as the Pythagorean Identity can be manipulated algebraically to produce new identities. See [link].
-
The trigonometric functions repeat at regular intervals.
-
The period P
of a repeating function f
is the smallest interval such that f(x+P)=f(x)
for any value of x.
-
The values of trigonometric functions of special angles can be found by mathematical analysis.
-
To evaluate trigonometric functions of other angles, we can use a calculator or computer software. See [link].
can the sine and cosine values of a radian measure ever be equal? If so, where?
and the terminal side of the angle is in quadrants I and III. Thus, at x= π 4 , 5π 4 ,
the sine and cosine values are equal.
degrees to be? Explain your reasoning.
in the Pythagorean Theorem x 2 + y 2 =1.
Solve for x
and take the negative solution.
What does this tell us about the output of these functions?
units.
For the following exercises, find the exact value of each expression.
For the following exercises, use reference angles to evaluate the expression.
and t
is in quadrant II, find cos t,sec t,csc t,tan t,cot t.
and t
is in quadrant III, find sin t,sec t,csc t,tan t,cot t.
and 0≤t< π 2 ,
find sin t,cos t,sec t,csc t,
and cot t.
and cos t= 1 2 ,
find sec t,csc t,tan t,
and cot t.
what is the sin(−t)?
what is the cos(−t)?
what is the sec(−t)?
what is the csc(−t)?
what is the tan(−t)?
what is the cot(−t)?
For the following exercises, use the angle in the unit circle to find the value of the each of the six trigonometric functions.
For the following exercises, use a graphing calculator to evaluate.
For the following exercises, use identities to evaluate the expression.
and sin( t )≈0.94,
find cos( t ).
and cos( t )≈0.61,
find sin( t ).
and cos( t )≈0.95,
find tan( t ).
and cos( t )≈0.5,
find csc( t ).
is even, odd, or neither.
is even, odd, or neither.
is even, odd, or neither.
is even, odd, or neither.
For the following exercises, use identities to simplify the expression.
where h
represents the hours of sunlight, and d
is the day of the year. Use the equation to find how many hours of sunlight there are on February 10, the 42nd day of the year. State the period of the function.
where h
represents the hours of sunlight, and d
is the day of the year. Use the equation to find how many hours of sunlight there are on September 24, the 267th day of the year. State the period of the function.
models the blood pressure, P,
where t
represents time in seconds. (a) Find the blood pressure after 15 seconds. (b) What are the maximum and minimum blood pressures?
in inches, can be modeled by the equation y=2cos x+6,
where x
represents the crank angle. Find the height of the piston when the crank angle is 55°.
in inches, can be modeled by the equation y=2cos x+5,
where x
represents the crank angle. Find the height of the piston when the crank angle is 55°.
cosecant : the reciprocal of the sine function: on the unit circle, csc t= 1 y ,y≠0 ^
cotangent : the reciprocal of the tangent function: on the unit circle, cot t= x y ,y≠0 ^
identities : statements that are true for all values of the input on which they are defined ^
period : the smallest interval P
of a repeating function f
such that f(x+P)=f(x) ^
secant : the reciprocal of the cosine function: on the unit circle, sec t= 1 x ,x≠0 ^
tangent : the quotient of the sine and cosine: on the unit circle, tan t= y x ,x≠0