You can apply the Pythagorean Theorem to the unit circle. Recall, that we use the Pythagorean Theorem to find a missing side of a right triangle.
In the image of the unit circle to the right, the triangle created is a right triangle. The side lengths of x and y are the legs where the radius (r) is the hypotenuse.
Using the Pythagorean Theorem we have:
x2 + y2 = 12 --> x2 + y2 = 1
The unit circle can be used to help us generalize trigonometric functions.
If we let the x = cos θ and y = sin θ, then P will be the terminal side of angle θ where it intersects the unit circle.
We can use this to find Sine and Cosine given a point on the unit circle.
The terminal side of angle θ in standard position intersects the unit circle at
Find cos θ and sin θ.
The terminal side of angle θ in standard position intersects the unit circle at P(0,1). Find cos θ and sin θ.
P(0,1) = P(cos θ, sin θ), cos θ = 0 and sin θ = 1
The unit circle below can be used to find the exact values of cos θ and sin θ for special angles regardless of if you are working in degrees or radians. As you can see from the unit circle, the degrees range from 0o to 360o and the radians from 1 to 2π. If you just remember that P(cos θ, sin θ), then you can find a specific value.
Find the exact value of the expression, cos (5π/6),
On the unit circle above, locate the reference radian 5π/6 . Since P(cos θ, sin θ) and the reference point of the radian is
Find the exact value of the expression, sin (180o).
On the unit circle above, locate the reference degree 180o. Since P(cos θ, sin θ) and the reference point of the degree is (-1,0), sin (180o) = 0.
If you know P(cos θ, sin θ), then you can also find the exact value of the tangent function.
Recall, that tan θ = sin θ / cos θ .
Find the exact value of the expression, tan ( π / 4 ).
On the unit circle above, locate the reference radian π / 4, Since P(cos θ, sin θ) and the reference point of the radian is
