Trigonometric functions are mathematical tools used to measure angles and calculate ratios in triangles. The spelling of this complex term is broken into several syllables to make it easier for readers to pronounce. The first syllable is pronounced /trɪɡ/ and rhymes with "big." The second syllable is pronounced /əʊ/ and rhymes with "go." The third syllable is pronounced /nəʊ/ and rhymes with "no." The fourth syllable is pronounced /mɛtrɪk/ and rhymes with "metric." Together, the word is read as /trɪɡəʊnəʊmɛtrɪk fʌŋkʃənz/.
Trigonometric functions are a set of mathematical functions that help describe relationships between the angles and sides of triangles. These functions are commonly used in trigonometry, a branch of mathematics that deals with the study of triangles and their properties.
There are six basic trigonometric functions: sine, cosine, tangent, cosecant, secant, and cotangent. Each of these functions provides a different ratio between the sides of a right triangle, based on a given angle.
The sine function (abbreviated as sin) represents the ratio of the length of the side opposite to an angle to the length of the hypotenuse. The cosine function (abbreviated as cos) represents the ratio of the length of the side adjacent to an angle to the length of the hypotenuse. The tangent function (abbreviated as tan) represents the ratio of the sine to the cosine, which is equivalent to the opposite side divided by the adjacent side.
The cosecant (abbreviated as csc), secant (abbreviated as sec), and cotangent (abbreviated as cot) functions are the reciprocal of the sine, cosine, and tangent functions respectively. The cosecant is the ratio of the hypotenuse to the opposite side, the secant is the ratio of the hypotenuse to the adjacent side, and the cotangent is the reciprocal of the tangent function.
Trigonometric functions have applications in various fields, such as physics, engineering, and navigation. They are also frequently used to model and understand periodic phenomena, such as sound waves and electromagnetic waves. Overall, these functions play a fundamental role in analyzing and solving problems involving angles and triangles.
The word "trigonometric" is derived from the Greek words "trigonon" meaning "triangle" and "metron" meaning "measure". The term "trigonometric functions" was coined in the 18th century to describe a set of mathematical functions that are used to relate the angles of a triangle to the lengths of its sides. These functions include sine, cosine, tangent, cosecant, secant, and cotangent, which are fundamental in trigonometry.