The formulas particular to trigonometry have: sin (sine), cos (cosine), and tan (tangent), although only sin is represented here. In the formulas given here, you have: r (radius); d (diameter or distance); b (base or measure of a side); h (height); a, b, c (measures of sides); x, y (coordinates on a graph); m (slope); M (midpoint); h, k (horizontal and vertical distances from the center); θ (angle theta); and s (arc length).
The main trick to using formulas is to know what the different letters represent. A formula gives a relationship between particular quantities and units. A formula provides you a rule or equation that you can count on to work, every single time. But trigonometry also has some special formulas usually found just in those discussions. Sines and cosines are two trig functions that factor heavily into any study of trigonometry; they have their own formulas and rules that you’ll want to understand if you plan to study trig for very long.įormulas to Help You in Trigonometry Many of the formulas used in trigonometry are also found in algebra and analytic geometry. Get to know some special rules for angles and various other important functions, definitions, and translations.
Trigonometry For Dummies From Trigonometry For Dummies, 2nd Edition by Mary Jane Sterling Trigonometry is the study of triangles, which contain angles, of course.
