Mathematics 536

Mathematical Reflections 536: Reflection 7

Introduction
This document is a tool designed to help give teachers a clear description of what should be
covered in Reflection 7 of the Reflections 536 textbook. The textbook offers more material
than can be covered in most regular classes. However, this summary should be seen as a
guide only; the amount of time available as well as the students' interests and capabilities
will determine the material which is covered. Further information about the material is
found in the Teacher's Guide.

Objectives Covered in Reflection 7

This reflection covers part of Terminal Objective 1.2: To solve problems by using functions
involving real variables to develop a model for a given situation and Terminal Objective 1.3:
To transform mathematical expressions involving real variables into equivalent expressions,
namely the trigonometric functions. The students will examine the use of trig functions to
model situations and will learn to prove trig identities and solve trig equations.
It is important to refer to the MEQ Curriculum document for more details on the
objectives of the program (pp. 18 - 21).
Time ≈14% of the year. Reflections 1, 4 and 7 total 45% of the year

Comments
1. Prior Knowledge of Trigonometry:
In Math 436, the students studied the trig functions of the right triangle as well as the
Law of Sines and the Law of Cosines to solve problems of a geometric nature.

2. Students’ prior knowledge (from Math 436 and earlier in Math 536) of the role of the
parameters a, b, h and k in the rule of a function and their effects on a graph enhance
the students’ quick understanding of the sine, cosine and tangent functions.

3. The proving of trigonometric identities (≈ 4 to 5 50-minute periods) is restricted to work

with the reciprocal identities (secant, cosecant, cotangent), the ratio identities
sin A cos A
( tan A ≡ , cot A ≡ and the squared identities (cos2A +sin2A ≡ 1, 1 +tan2A ≡
cos A sin A
sec2A, 1 + cot2A ≡ csc2A).

4. Note:
As the students taking Math 536 generally constitute the top 35 - 40% of the
school’s population, they should be expected to work more autonomously on
assignments in order to cover the course content. Optional topics could be assigned
for independent study.

This document has been prepared by Carolyn Gould, Resource Person for MAPCO.
It is available on the MAPCO website: www.qesn.meq.gouv.qc.ca/mapco/
 Mathematics 536

Mathematical Reflections 536: Chapter 7

Topic Time Priority 1 Optional Omit

Class Homework
1. From 3% √ Trigonometric Investment 1: 10,
Trigonometric Ratios in a Right 12, 14, 15, 17
Ratios to Triangle Investment 2: 5,
Functions Investment 1: 1-9, 10, 12, 14, 15
(pp. 220 - 241) 11, 13, 16 Think Tank p. 231
Think Tank p. 225 Investment 3: 11,
Another System of 12, 14, 15
Angle Measures* Think Tank p. 241
Investment 2: 1-4,
6-9, 11, 13
Trigonometric
Angles
Towards
Trigonometric
Functions
The Cyclical Model
Investment 3: 1-10,
13, 16, 17

2. Sine Functions 2% √ The Basic Function Investment 4: 7, 8,

(pp. 242 - 257) Transformed 12, 16, 18, 21, 22,
Functions 24
Zeros and Sign Think Tank p. 257
Finding the Rule
Investment 4: 1-6,
9-11, 13-15, 17,
19, 20, 23, 25

3. Other 2% √ Cosine Functions Investment 5: 12,

Trigonometric Investment 5: 1-11, 15
Functions 13, 14 Think Tank p. 266
(pp. 258 - 271) Tangent Functions Investment 6: 5, 7-
Investment 6: 1-4, 9, 11
6, 10 Think Tank p. 271:
Think Tank p. 271: b
a

4. Inverses of 1.5% √ Arcsin Function Investment 7: 9,

Trigonometric Arccos Function 11-13, 15
Functions Arctan Function Think Tank p. 279
(pp. 272 - 279) Investment 7: 1-8,
10, 14

This document has been prepared by Carolyn Gould, Resource Person for MAPCO.
It is available on the MAPCO website: www.qesn.meq.gouv.qc.ca/mapco/
 Mathematics 536

Mathematical Reflections 536: Chapter 7

Topic Time Priority 1 Optional Omit

Class Homework

5. Trigonometric 5.5% √ Relations in the Investment 8: 2, 5,

Identities Unit Circle 6, 9, 10, 13
(pp. 280 - 314) Investment 8: 1, 3, Think Tank p. 286
4, 7, 8, 11, 12 Investment 9: 7, 9,
Solving 10, 12, 13, 16
Trigonometric Think Tank p. 295
Equations Workout 10: 5, 6,
Investment 9: 1-6, 10, 12, 14, 18, 19,
8, 11, 14, 15 21-23, 25, 27, 29,
Workout 10: 1-4, 7- 33-35, 37, 42, 43,
9, 11, 13, 15-17, 45-48, 50, 52, 53,
20, 24, 26, 28, 30- 55, 56, 58-61, 63-
32, 36, 38-41, 44, 67
49, 51, 54, 57, 62
Pop Quiz 10

n° 2.5πrad
* Example 2, p. 228 should read ⇒ = .
180° πrad

This document has been prepared by Carolyn Gould, Resource Person for MAPCO.
It is available on the MAPCO website: www.qesn.meq.gouv.qc.ca/mapco/