Section 3.

4: Definition 3 of Trigonometric Functions: Unit Circle Approach

Recall that the equation for the unit circle is given by:

+ = 1

This is the equation of a circle centered at _______ with radius = _____.

You may remember that _________= and ___________ = .

In the context of the unit circle, this would mean that

and =

This allows us to fill out the rest of our unit circle (officially).
Definition 3: Trig Functions

Let (, )be any point on the unit circle + = 1. If is the real number
that represents the distance from the point (1,0) along the circumference of
the circle to the point (, ), then

= = =

= = =

The coordinates of the points on the unit circle can be written as

(, ), and since is a real number, the trigonometric functions are
often called circular functions.

Example 1: Solving Equations Involving Trig (Circular) Functions

Use the unit circle to find all values of , 0 2, for which

a. =

b. = 0

c. is undefined

As it turns out, because trig functions are awesome and circular, they have
some pretty sweet properties.

For the following: is any real number and n is an integer.

Function Domain Range

Remember even functions and odd functions?

Even Function: (= )

Odd Function: (= )

As it turns out, is an __________ function and is an __________

function.

Example 2: Using Properties of Trig Functions

a. sin b. cos c. cos(135) d. sin(60)

Example 3: Evaluating Trig Functions with a Calculator

Use a calculator to evaluate . Round the answer to four decimal

places.
Example 4: (#74) Oscillating Spring.

A weight is attached to a spring and then pulled down and let go to begin a
vertical motion. The position of the weight in inches from equilibrium is

given by the equation = 15 sin 4.6 , where is time in seconds

after the spring is let go. Find the position of the weight 5 seconds after
being let go.