In addition to the three basic trig functions we’ve already looked at (Sine, Cosine, Tangent), there are three other related functions. These are Secant, Cosecant, and Cotangent. These functions have similar meanings as the first three, in that they represent the ratios of various side lengths of a right angle triangle, and can be used…
Category: Main Concepts
Graphing: Standard Form of the Equation
Just a short explanation for what is meant by “standard form” of the equation of the line. We have been looking at line equations in the form of y=mx+b. However, you may be asked to express this in standard form, or as a standard form equation. Graphing standard form equations will give you the exact…
Which Measure of Central Tendency to Use? Mode, Mean, or Median?
A concept which may need a bit more explanation is: which average is appropriate for a given question? What is the best measure of central tendency? When would you use a median instead of a mean, or perhaps use a mode instead? For any data set, you can perform the analysis to come up with…
Trigonometry – Tangent Definition
Be be successful in math, and especially trigonometry, you really need to understand the basic trig functions. The first of these functions I presented to you was sine, and then I followed that up with a closer look at cosine. Today, I want to talk about the third of the three basic trig functions –…
Why is X the Unknown?
Why does the letter “x” represent the unknown? Probably one of the most common variables you will ever run across in mathematics is “x.” You have undoubtedly seen it countless times, in math problems asking you to simply “solve for x,” or as one of several different letters in a multivariable equation. Using the letter…
Trigonometry – Cosine Definition
In my previous post, I introduced you to one of the most fundamental, basic concepts of trigonometry: the sine definition. I explained to you what exactly it is, and how it can be used. Similarly, there are a few other basic trigonometry functions that you need to know so that you can solve these types…
Trigonometry – Sine Definition
Solving trigonometry problems can be easy, but it first requires you to have a solid understanding of the basic trig functions. There are three of these functions, and the first one I will discuss is SINE. In subsequent posts, I will highlight the other two functions: cosine and tangent. The sine definition relates an angle of…
Domain of a Line
When working with functions in mathematics, one problem you will frequently be asked is to find the domain of a lineor identify domain and rangeof a graph. This is a relatively simple problem to solve, once you know what is meant by these terms. If not, you might first ask “what is domain and range?”…
Trigonometry: Special Angle Triangles
Trigonometry is the type of math that you use when you want to work with angles. Luckily, some angles are used so frequently that they have their own dedicated name and shortcuts that you can memorize. These are called special angles in trigonometry, and you can use special angle triangles to help. Special angles are…
What is Trigonometry?
Try asking any number of young math students the question “what is trigonometry?” Inevitably, you will learn that itis one of the most feared subjects in math that students have to learn. However, solving these questions and equations is much easier than they often give it credit for. (For some interesting background history and applications…