Calculator Activity
TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS
OBJECTIVE: To find the distance between points by using trigonometric functions.
The law of sines and the law of cosines can help determine the sides and
angles of triangles. The law of sines is as follows | a |
| | b | | c | . |
sin |
| sin |
| ||||
| |
| sin |
The law of cosines is as follows c 2 a 2 b2 2ab cos .
1.Using the law of sines find the length of side a given
37, 53, b 4 .
STEP 1: Set the angular units to degrees by pressing
.
STEP 2: Multiply 4 by sin(37) by pressing
.
STEP 3: Divide by sin(53) by pressing .
2.Using the law of cosines fine the length of c given a 5, b 12, 2 radians .
STEP 1: Set the angular units to radians by pressing
.
STEP 2: Add 52 and 122 by pressing .
STEP 3: Subtract 2 5 12 cos(2 ) by pressing
.
STEP 4: Take the square root by pressing .
Note: Tangent can be used in a similar manner as sine as cosine.
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