Education Technology

Trigonometric Patterns

Subject Area
Math: Algebra II: Trigonometric Functions
Math: Precalculus: Trigonometry (Triangle and Circular Functions)
Math: IB: Analysis-Approaches
Math: IB: Applications-Interpretations
Level
9-12
Activity Time
50 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-84 series
Resource Types
Lessons

Trigonometric Patterns

Activity Overview

Students use the unit circle to examine patterns in the six trigonometric functions.

Objectives

  • Students will use the unit circle and the handheld to estimate the six trig functions at certain angle measures.
  • Students will then find patterns in the results of the six trig function estimations and discuss them with their classmates.
  • Students will try to make a connection with how to understand these topics in IB Mathematics courses and on their final assessments.

Vocabulary

  • Unit Circle
  • Right Triangle Trigonometry
  • Radian Measure

About the Lesson

Students are given the definitions of sine, cosine, and tangent and how they relate to the unit circle. Then, students are asked to use the unit circle to find the values of the functions at various angle measures to find patterns for each function.

Subject Area
Math: Algebra II: Trigonometric Functions
Math: Precalculus: Trigonometry (Triangle and Circular Functions)
Math: IB: Analysis-Approaches
Math: IB: Applications-Interpretations
Level
9-12
Activity Time
50 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-84 series
Resource Types
Lessons
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