Math Is Fun Forum

  Discussion about math, puzzles, games and fun.   Useful symbols: ÷ × ½ √ ∞ ≠ ≤ ≥ ≈ ⇒ ± ∈ Δ θ ∴ ∑ ∫ • π ƒ -¹ ² ³ °

You are not logged in.

#1 2014-07-20 03:17:50

Whizzies
Member
Registered: 2014-07-18
Posts: 53

Sin (x) in triagnle and in the unit circle

I am wondering you have the triangles with the definitions of sin (x), cos(x) and tan (x). You can calculate the angle with sin (x) = o /h, but I don't know what sin is. Sin (x) is just a function something that math people decided to do just that? Like Ln (x) ?

What is the difference between sin (x) with the triangles and the radian circle? I am trying to understand what sin (x) means in both of them, the basic figures come back in the Radian circle, but I don't see the connection!?

Sorry the question is some what vague I think, because I don't know how to ask something that I see but don't yet undestand wholly.

Offline

#2 2014-07-20 03:24:47

bobbym
bumpkin
From: Bumpkinland
Registered: 2009-04-12
Posts: 109,606

Re: Sin (x) in triagnle and in the unit circle

There are other ways to define the sine function that have nothing to do with circles or triangles.


In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Offline

#3 2014-07-20 03:59:25

Whizzies
Member
Registered: 2014-07-18
Posts: 53

Re: Sin (x) in triagnle and in the unit circle

bobbym wrote:

There are other ways to define the sine function that have nothing to do with circles or triangles.


..... what does it all mean? What does sine mean?

Offline

#4 2014-07-20 04:08:50

bobbym
bumpkin
From: Bumpkinland
Registered: 2009-04-12
Posts: 109,606

Re: Sin (x) in triagnle and in the unit circle

I think that it was originally defined in terms of a circle, that is why they call it a circular function. But it is also called a trigonometric function. The word "Trigonometry" is derived from two Greek words meaning measurement or solution of triangles.


In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Offline

#5 2014-07-20 04:15:19

Whizzies
Member
Registered: 2014-07-18
Posts: 53

Re: Sin (x) in triagnle and in the unit circle

bobbym wrote:

I think that it was originally defined in terms of a circle, that is why they call it a circular function. But it is also called a trigonometric function. The word "Trigonometry" is derived from two Greek words meaning measurement or solution of triangles.

So it is just like the circumference of a circle, when they tried to measure it  up. They used squares all around I believe, and they came up with ''pi''. What is the relation between geometry and the unit circle?

What does sin( 1) = o/h = 0.01745... mean? in geometry?

Is there any relation between geometry and trigonometric?

Offline

#6 2014-07-20 04:34:13

bobbym
bumpkin
From: Bumpkinland
Registered: 2009-04-12
Posts: 109,606

Re: Sin (x) in triagnle and in the unit circle

According to Wikipedia the sine function was defined in terms of the sides of a right triangle.

What does sin( 1) = o/h = 0.01745... mean? in geometry?

That shows the ratio between and angle of 1 degree and the opposite side and hypotenuse of a right triangle.


In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Offline

#7 2014-07-20 07:33:08

Whizzies
Member
Registered: 2014-07-18
Posts: 53

Re: Sin (x) in triagnle and in the unit circle

So it is a very very small rectangualr triangle?

Offline

#8 2014-07-20 07:42:54

bobbym
bumpkin
From: Bumpkinland
Registered: 2009-04-12
Posts: 109,606

Re: Sin (x) in triagnle and in the unit circle

Nope, it is a right triangle. That means it has a 90 degree angle in it.


In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Offline

#9 2014-07-20 07:53:02

Whizzies
Member
Registered: 2014-07-18
Posts: 53

Re: Sin (x) in triagnle and in the unit circle

Sorry that is what I meant! I have a lot of questions hope you don't mind it.

I just found out that the Sine, Cosine, tangent in degrees can also be in radians (they both come on the unit circle).
If I say Sin (30) = 0.5; so: opposite = 1 and hypo = 2. This is an basic triangle just like the 45 degree and 60 degree. What if I take Sin (35), well o/h = 0.5737....

It is not possible to find out what O and H are right? because you have two variables.

Offline

#10 2014-07-20 10:12:10

bobbym
bumpkin
From: Bumpkinland
Registered: 2009-04-12
Posts: 109,606

Re: Sin (x) in triagnle and in the unit circle

Hi;

Yes, you will need a little more information.


In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Offline

Board footer

Powered by FluxBB