### Basic Trigonometric Functions

Trigonometry primarily deals with the relationships between the angles and sides of
triangles, especially right-angled triangles. The three basic trigonometric functions are sine (\
(\sin\)), cosine (\(\cos\)), and tangent (\(\tan\)).

#### Sine, Cosine, and Tangent

For a right-angled triangle, consider an angle \(\theta\). The sides of the triangle relative to
this angle are:

- The opposite side: the side opposite to the angle \(\theta\).

- The adjacent side: the side next to the angle \(\theta\).
- The hypotenuse: the longest side of the triangle, opposite the right angle.

The trigonometric functions are defined as follows:

\[ \sin(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}} \]
\[ \cos(\theta) = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}} \]
\[ \tan(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} \]

These functions help relate the angles of a triangle to the lengths of its sides.

### Trigonometric Identities

Trigonometric identities are equations that involve trigonometric functions and are true for
every value of the occurring variables. Some of the most important identities include:

#### Pythagorean Identities

Derived from the Pythagorean Theorem, these identities relate the squares of the basic
trigonometric functions:

\[ \sin^2(\theta) + \cos^2(\theta) = 1 \]
\[ 1 + \tan^2(\theta) = \sec^2(\theta) \]
\[ 1 + \cot^2(\theta) = \csc^2(\theta) \]

#### Angle Sum and Difference Identities

These identities express trigonometric functions of sums or differences of angles in terms of

functions of the individual angles:

\[ \sin(\alpha \pm \beta) = \sin(\alpha)\cos(\beta) \pm \cos(\alpha)\sin(\beta) \]

\[ \cos(\alpha \pm \beta) = \cos(\alpha)\cos(\beta) \mp \sin(\alpha)\sin(\beta) \]
\[ \tan(\alpha \pm \beta) = \frac{\tan(\alpha) \pm \tan(\beta)}{1 \mp \tan(\alpha)\tan(\beta)} \]

#### Double Angle Identities

These identities express trigonometric functions of double angles:

\[ \sin(2\theta) = 2\sin(\theta)\cos(\theta) \]
\[ \cos(2\theta) = \cos^2(\theta) - \sin^2(\theta) = 2\cos^2(\theta) - 1 = 1 - 2\sin^2(\theta) \]
\[ \tan(2\theta) = \frac{2\tan(\theta)}{1 - \tan^2(\theta)} \]

### Applications of Trigonometry

Trigonometry has a wide range of applications in various fields. Some key applications
include:

#### Astronomy and Navigation

Trigonometry is essential in astronomy for calculating distances between celestial objects

and their positions in the sky. Navigators use trigonometric functions to determine their
position at sea, using celestial navigation.

#### Engineering and Physics

In engineering, trigonometry is used to design and analyze mechanical structures, electrical

circuits, and signal processing. Physics relies on trigonometry to describe wave motion,
oscillations, and the behavior of physical systems.

#### Architecture and Construction

Architects and builders use trigonometry to calculate structural loads, angles, and distances,
ensuring the stability and integrity of buildings and other structures.

#### Computer Graphics and Game Development

Trigonometry is crucial in computer graphics for rendering 3D objects, calculating light and
shadow effects, and creating realistic animations in video games and simulations.

### Solving Right Triangles

Solving a right triangle involves finding the unknown lengths of its sides or the measures of
its angles, given some of its dimensions.

#### Using Trigonometric Functions

Given one side and one non-right angle, or two sides of a right triangle, the remaining sides
and angles can be found using the basic trigonometric functions.

For example, if you know the length of the adjacent side (\(a\)) and the hypotenuse (\(c\)),
you can find the angle \(\theta\) using:

\[ \cos(\theta) = \frac{a}{c} \]
\[ \theta = \cos^{-1}\left(\frac{a}{c}\right) \]
Once \(\theta\) is known, you can find the opposite side (\(b\)) using:

\[ \sin(\theta) = \frac{b}{c} \]
\[ b = c \cdot \sin(\theta) \]

### Advanced Topics in Trigonometry

#### Trigonometric Equations

Trigonometric equations involve finding the angles that satisfy given trigonometric
expressions. These equations often require using identities and algebraic manipulation to
solve.

#### Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Inverse trigonometric functions are used to find angles when the values of the trigonometric
functions are known. The principal inverse functions are:

\[ \sin^{-1}(x) \text{ or } \arcsin(x) \]

\[ \cos^{-1}(x) \text{ or } \arccos(x) \]
\[ \tan^{-1}(x) \text{ or } \arctan(x) \]

#### Law of Sines and Law of Cosines

For non-right triangles, the Law of Sines and Law of Cosines generalize trigonometric
relationships:

**Law of Sines:**

\[ \frac{a}{\sin(A)} = \frac{b}{\sin(B)} = \frac{c}{\sin(C)} \]

**Law of Cosines:**

\[ c^2 = a^2 + b^2 - 2ab \cos(C) \]

These laws are crucial for solving oblique triangles, where no right angle is present.

### Conclusion

Trigonometry and the Pythagorean Theorem are fundamental concepts in mathematics with
wide-ranging applications in various fields. Understanding these principles allows for the
solving of complex problems involving triangles and the modeling of real-world phenomena.
Mastery of trigonometric functions, identities, and their applications is essential for students
and professionals in science, engineering, and beyond.