Trigonometric skills
Working with the graphs of trigonometric functions
Trigonometric graphs can be sketched when you know the amplitude, period, phase and maximum and minimum turning points.
Working with trigonometric relationships in degrees
Trigonometric functions can have several solutions. Sine, cosine and tangent all have different positive or negative values depending on what quadrant they are in.
Calculating the area of a triangle using trigonometry
Trigonometry can be used to find the area of a triangle when you know the length of two sides and the included angle.
Using the sine and cosine rules to find a side or angle in a triangle
The sine rule can be used to find an angle from 3 sides and an angle, or a side from 3 angles and a side. The cosine rule can find a side from 2 sides and the included angle, or an angle from 3 sides.
Using bearings in trigonometry
Bearings are angles used in navigation. They are based on moving clockwise from due north. Missing information about bearings can be worked out using the sine and cosine rules.
Video playlist
Indian mathematicians and discoveries in trigonometry. Video
Marcus du Sautoy visits an ancient Indian observatory.
Bitesize maths: Trigonometry. Video
An animated guide to using trigonometry with right-angled triangles.
The Approximate History of Trigonometry. Video
Praxis the robot and Alan the "human man" try to land a plane using their knowledge of trigonometry.
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