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LESSON
Trigonometric Functions
Are you ready to learn? Let’s get started.

Welcome to the second module of the course

– Trigonometry. Lesson 1 will introduce you
the six trigonometric functions and finding the
values of parts of right triangle using these
ratios. It will only take 1 hour and 30 minutes
to complete the lesson. Let’s get started!

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

3. Define trigonometric ratios and functions;
4. Find the value of trigonometric functions given and angle measure; and
5. Find the missing side length given an angle measure Find an angle measure
using trigonometric functions.
6. Relate the topic to gender development.

Activity: Let’s do this!

Instruction: In Module 1, we have introduced to you the picture of a Unit Circle where
radius and certain ordered pairs were given. Now, let us go back to it by reviewing all
the basic and important facts about unit circle.

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After observing the figure, list all the information you can gather in the box provided
below with the angles (60° and 240°) and (45° and 225°).

Analysis: Let’s think!

Consider the following questions and answer them based on how you understand the
activity.

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 4. What do you think is the relationship of the two angles mentioned above?
Write your answer here.

5. Can you identify other angles that have the same relationship?

Write your answer here.

Abstraction: Let’s discuss!

The Unit Circle definition allows us to extend the domain of sine and cosine to all
real numbers. The process for determining the sine/cosine of any angle θ is as follows:

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1. Starting from (1,0), move along the unit circle in the counterclockwise direction
until the angle that is formed between your position, the origin, and the positive x-
axis is equal to θ.

2. sin θ is equal to the y-coordinate of your point, and cos θ, is equal to the x-
coordinate.
To further discuss and for you to review the Unit Circle you can refer to this website:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m9p9iubMLU

Trigonometric Functions
In Trigonometry there are six trigonometric ratios that relate the angle
measures of a right triangle to the length of its sides. (Remember a right triangle
contains a 90° angle).

A right triangle can be formed from an initial side x and a terminal side r,
where r is the radius and hypotenuse of the right triangle. (see figure below).

The Pythagorean Theorem tells us that x² + y² = r², therefore r = √𝑥² + 𝑦². is used to
label a non-right angle. The six trigonometric functions can be used to find the ratio of
the side lengths. The six functions are sine (sin), cosine (cos), tangent (tan),
cosecant (csc), secant (sec), and cotangent (cot). Below you will see the ratios
formed by these functions.

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 Functions Ratio Reciprocal Ratio
𝑦 ℎ𝑦
Sine 𝜃 = Cosecant 𝜃 =
ℎ𝑦 𝑦
𝑥 ℎ𝑦
Cosine 𝜃 = Secant 𝜃 =
ℎ𝑦 𝑥

𝑦 𝑥
Tangent 𝜃 = Cotangent 𝜃 =
𝑥 𝑦

To remember the relationships of the ratios, you may recall a little something
called SOH-CAH-TOA and CHO-SHA-CAO. Before we can find the values of the
six trigonometric ratios, we need to find the length or the measurements of the
unknown side. Always remember that trigonometric rations involves right triangle
which means that in solving the sides, we use Pythagorean Theorem r = √𝑥² + 𝑦².

Example 1: Find the values of the trigonometric ratios of angle 𝜃

Solution: Using the Pythagorean Theorem, we can start

solving the problem by finding the value of radius r.

=√ 1

=√ 1

= √1

=
Now, we can solve the trigonometric rations using the given:

Functions Ratio Reciprocal Ratio

Sine 𝜃 Cosecant 𝜃

Cosine 𝜃 Secant 𝜃

Tangent 𝜃 Cotangent 𝜃

Example 2: Use the triangle on the right side to find the six trigonometric ratios.
Solutions: Use Pythagorean Theorem to find r.

=√

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 =√

= √1

Solving for the trigonometric rations, we have:

Functions Ratio Reciprocal Ratio

Sine 𝜃 = Cosecant 𝜃

Cosine 𝜃 = Secant 𝜃

Tangent 𝜃 = Cotangent 𝜃

Its easy right? All you have to do is to familiarize the trigonometric ratios and
everything will follow. Now, can you try the next example? I will leave it blank for
you to work on. 

Example 3: Use the triangle on the right side to find the six trigonometric ratios.

Need more help? Click the link below for a Khan Academy Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jsiy4TxgIME

FINDING THE VALUE OF TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS GIVEN AN

ANGLE MEASURE
Suppose you know the value of 𝜃 is 45°, how can this help you find the values
of the six trigonometric functions? You can start building yourself with the
understanding of the Unit Circle. An ordered pair along the unit circle (x, y) can also

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be known as (cos 𝜃, sin 𝜃), since the r value on the unit circle is always 1. So to find
the trig function values for 45° you can look on the unit circle and easily see that:

sin 45° = cos 45° and sin 225° = cos 225°

With that information we can easily find the values of the reciprocal functions,

csc 45° = sec 45° = √2

We can also find the tangent and cotangent function values using the quotient
identities,

tan 45° = 1 and cot 45° = 1

Example 4: Find the value of sec .

Solutions: We have established in the previous lesson that secant is the reciprocal of
the cosine, therefore

1
=
1

1
=
√

=√

Example 5: Find the value of tan .

Solutions: We have established in the previous lesson that tangent is the ratio of sine
1 √
and cosine. From the problem, we can verify that value of sine cosine is and .
Therefore
1
=
√

√
=

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 Can you try solving the value of cot 240°?

Another way of solving is by using the concepts of Special Triangles. If you

are given a problem that has an angle measure of 45°, 30°, or 60°, you are in luck!
These angle measures belong to special triangles. If you remember these special
triangles you can easily find the ratios for all the trig functions. Below are the two
special right triangles and their side length ratios :

Source:
https://www.google.com/search?q=special+triangles+ratio&sxsrf=ALeKk02LBEeHoeLd6arbKejIJyrxqWpqsg:16
10113939107&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjIio3rvYzuAhWFZt4KHbGYA2EQ_AUoAXoECBs
QAw&biw=1600&bih=722#imgrc=mXIFAtOtqjnk5M

Example 6: To Find the value of sin 30

Solution: To Find the value of sin 30°, recall SOH, therefore the value of sine 30° is
½.

Can you try finding the values of cos 45°? tan 60°?

You can use your calculators too in order to find the trigonometric ratios easily. For
you to be equipped on how to use your scientific calculator, you can watch this video
for your guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd8CnsETQZY

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FIND A MISSING SIDE LENGTH GIVEN AN ANGLE MEASURE

Suppose you are given an angle measure and a side length, can you find the remaining
side lengths? The answer is Yes. You can use the trig functions to formulate an
equation to find missing side lengths of a right triangle.

Example 6: Refer the figure on the right, find x.

Solution:

First we know that sin 𝜃 = , therefore sin 30 = .

Next we solve for x,

5 ⋅ sin 30° = 𝑥
Use your scientific calculator,
𝑥 = 2.5

Example 7: Can you try finding the values of x?

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 Need more help? Click the link below for a Khan Academy Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5VbdqRjTXc

FINDING AN ANGLE MEASURE USING TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

Wait a minute, what happens if you have the trig ratio, but you are asked to find the
angles measure? Grab your scientific calculator and notice that above the sin, cos, and
−1 −1 −1
tan buttons, there is , , . These are your inverse trigonometric
functions, also known as arcsine, arccosine, and arctangent. If you use these buttons
in conjunction with your trigonometric ratio, you will get the angle measure for 𝜃!

Example 8: Find the angle of the figure on the right.

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Solution: We know that tan 𝜃 = , so using your calculator,
−1
you can find the value by pressing
8
tan 𝜃 =

−1 8
𝜃=

𝜃 1

Example 9: Can you try finding this one?

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