Module: Understanding the Six Trigonometric Ratios

Introduction

Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that studies relationships involving lengths and angles of
triangles. The six fundamental trigonometric ratios are sine, cosine, tangent, cosecant, secant, and
cotangent. These ratios are essential for solving problems in geometry, physics, engineering, and many
other fields.

Objectives

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

Define and understand the six trigonometric ratios.

Apply these ratios to solve problems involving right triangles.

Use trigonometric identities to simplify expressions.

Content

1. Definitions of the Six Trigonometric Ratios

For a right triangle with an angle

θ, the sides are:

Opposite (

opp

opp): the side opposite the angle

θ.

Adjacent (

adj

adj): the side next to the angle

𝜃

θ.

Hypotenuse (

hyp

hyp): the side opposite the right angle (the longest side).

The six trigonometric ratios are defined as follows:

Sine (sin):

sin

opp

hyp

sin(θ)=

hyp

opp

Cosine (cos):

cos
⁡

adj

hyp

cos(θ)=

hyp

adj

Tangent (tan):

tan

opp

adj

tan(θ)=

adj

opp
Cosecant (csc):

csc

hyp

opp

sin

csc(θ)=

opp

hyp

sin(θ)
1

Secant (sec):

sec

hyp

adj

cos

sec(θ)=

adj

hyp

=
cos(θ)

Cotangent (cot):

cot

adj

opp

tan

cot(θ)=

opp

adj
=

tan(θ)

2. Using Trigonometric Ratios

To solve problems using trigonometric ratios, follow these steps:

Identify the sides relative to the angle

θ.

Choose the appropriate trigonometric ratio.

Substitute the known values into the ratio.

Solve for the unknown value.

Example Problem:

Given a right triangle with

θ=30

and hypotenuse = 10 units, find the length of the opposite side.

Solution:

sin

opp

10

sin(30

)=

10

opp

Since

sin

0
∘

0.5

sin(30

)=0.5:

0.5

opp

10

opp

0.5

10

units

0.5=

10
opp

⟹opp=0.5×10=5 units

3. Trigonometric Identities

Some important trigonometric identities that can help simplify expressions are:

Pythagorean Identity:

sin

cos

sin

2
 (θ)+cos

(θ)=1

Quotient Identities:

tan

sin

cos

tan(θ)=

cos(θ)

sin(θ)
cot

cos

sin

cot(θ)=

sin(θ)

cos(θ)

Reciprocal Identities:
csc

sin

csc(θ)=

sin(θ)

sec

1
cos

sec(θ)=

cos(θ)

cot

tan

cot(θ)=

tan(θ)
1

Practice Problems

In a right triangle, if

θ=45

and the adjacent side is 7 units, find the hypotenuse.

Find

tan

tan(θ) if

sin

)
=

sin(θ)=

and

cos

cos(θ)=

Given

sec

(
𝜃

sec(θ)=4, find

cos

𝜃)

cos(θ).

Conclusion

Understanding the six trigonometric ratios and their relationships is fundamental in trigonometry. These
ratios provide powerful tools for solving various problems involving right triangles. Practice using these
ratios and identities to become proficient in trigonometry.

Feel free to ask if you need any additional information or examples!