Applied Trigonometry
Revised: November 2006
Course Description
Topics including right triangles, trigonometric functions, graphing; basic identities, triangle solutions, and complex numbers; emphasis on applications. Not open to students with credit in 145.
Objectives
1. To introduce students to trigonometric functions.
2. To practice solving applied problems using trigonometry.
3. To introduce students to the role of trigonometry in the analysis and solution
of mechanical problems.
4. To develop analytical skills using new tools provided by a trigonometric approach
to problem solving.
Text
Bernard J. Rice & Jerry D. Strange. Plane Trigonometry, Seventh Edition, PWS, 1996.
Grading Procedure
Grading procedures and factors influencing course grade are left to the discretion of individual instructors, subject to general university policy.
Attendance Policy
Attendance policy is left to the discretion of individual instructors, subject to general university policy.
Course Outline
- Algebra Skills Review (one week)
-
Chapter 1: Some Fundamental Concepts (two weeks)
Review of rectangular coordinate system, functions and graphs of functions; use of the graphing calculator (optional); review of angles and triangles. -
Chapter 2: The Trigonometric Functions (three weeks)
Definition of trigonometric functions; fundamental relations; special angles; the unit circle; values of trigonometric functions using a calculator. -
Chapter 3: The Solution of Triangles (three weeks)
Solving right triangles; Law of Cosines and Law of Sines; solving triangles generally; brief introduction to vectors. -
Chapter 4: Radian Measure (one week)
Introduction to radian measure; linear and angular velocity. -
Chapter 5: Analytic Trigonometry (one week)
Trigonometric functions of real numbers; properties of the graphs of sine and cosine; graph of the tangent function. -
Chapter 6: Identities, Equations, and Inequalities (one week)
Introduction to identities and trigonometric equations. -
Chapter 7: Composite Angle Identities (one week)
Introduction to sum, addition, double- and half-angle and sum and product formulas. -
Chapter 9: Complex Numbers and Polar Equations (one week)
Introduction to trigonometric form of complex numbers.