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Module 2 Study Guide: The Unit Circle & Right Triangle Trig

Trigonometry • Learn Without Walls

1. The Unit Circle

Unit Circle: x² + y² = 1, center (0,0), radius 1.
cos θ = x-coordinate, sin θ = y-coordinate of point on unit circle at angle θ.

2. Quadrantal Angles

θ(cos, sin)
0(1, 0)
π/2(0, 1)
π(−1, 0)
3π/2(0, −1)

3. Special Angle Values (First Quadrant)

θsincostan
π/6 (30°)1/2√3/2√3/3
π/4 (45°)√2/2√2/21
π/3 (60°)√3/21/2√3

4. Signs by Quadrant (ASTC)

QI: All +, QII: Sin +, QIII: Tan +, QIV: Cos +

5. Reference Angles

QI: θ' = θ | QII: θ' = π − θ | QIII: θ' = θ − π | QIV: θ' = 2π − θ

6. Pythagorean Identity

sin²θ + cos²θ = 1

7. Right Triangle Trig (SOH-CAH-TOA)

sin = Opp/Hyp   cos = Adj/Hyp   tan = Opp/Adj
csc = Hyp/Opp   sec = Hyp/Adj   cot = Adj/Opp

8. Cofunction Identities

sin θ = cos(90° − θ)    tan θ = cot(90° − θ)    sec θ = csc(90° − θ)

9. Applications

Angle of Elevation: up from horizontal. Angle of Depression: down from horizontal.

Strategy: Draw a diagram, label known/unknown sides and angles, choose the trig ratio that connects them.