Calculating Trigonometric Values
Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with the relationship between the sides and angles of a triangle. Trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine, and tangent are used to calculate the sides or angles of a triangle when given other information. Here, we will discuss how to calculate values of trigonometric functions such as cos and sec.
Using a Calculator
The easiest way to calculate trigonometric values is to use a calculator. Most scientific calculators have buttons for sine, cosine, and tangent, as well as their inverse functions. To calculate the cosine of an angle such as 1125 degrees, follow these steps:
- Make sure your calculator is set to degrees mode.
- Enter the angle you want to calculate, in this case 1125.
- Press the cosine button. The calculator will display the result, which is approximately -0.5736.
Similarly, to calculate the secant of an angle such as 1755 degrees, follow these steps:
- Make sure your calculator is set to degrees mode.
- Enter the angle you want to calculate, in this case 1755.
- Press the cosine button, then the reciprocal button (1/x). The calculator will display the result, which is approximately 1.219.
Using Trigonometric Identities
Trigonometric identities are relationships between trigonometric functions that can be used to simplify calculations. For example, the identity cos(x) = sin(90° - x) can be used to calculate the cosine of an angle that is not a standard angle. To use this identity to calculate cos(1125°), follow these steps:
- Note that 1125 = 90 + 1035.
- Apply the identity cos(x) = sin(90° - x) to get cos(1125°) = sin(90° - 1035°).
- Use a calculator to find sin(90° - 1035°), which is approximately -0.5736.
Similarly, the identity sec(x) = 1/cos(x) can be used to calculate the secant of an angle. To use this identity to calculate sec(1755°), follow these steps:
- Use a calculator to find the cosine of 1755°, which is approximately 0.8208.
- Apply the identity sec(x) = 1/cos(x) to get sec(1755°) = 1/0.8208.
- Use a calculator to find the reciprocal of 0.8208, which is approximately 1.219.
Conclusion
Trigonometric functions such as cosine and secant can be calculated using a calculator or trigonometric identities. When using a calculator, make sure it is set to the correct mode (degrees or radians). When using trigonometric identities, be familiar with the identities and how to apply them.