Q 135. - Precalculus Enhanced with Graphing Utilities

Question

How would you explain the meaning of the sine function to a fellow student who has just completed college algebra?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

In a right triangle the sine of an angle is the length of the opposite side divided by the length of the hypotenuse.

Step 1 .Explaining the sine function.

Sine , one of the main trigonometric function,is the ratio of the side of a triangle opposite the angle divided by the hypotenuse .There are six main trigonometric function these functions are used to relate the angles of a triangle .

Step 2. Use of sine function in trigonometry.

Sine function is one of the three primary function in trigonometry ,the others being cosine and tan function. T he sin x or sine theta can be defined as the ratio of the opposite side of a right triangle to its hypotenuse.

Then the sine formula is,

$\sin \theta =\frac{a}{h}$

where $a$ is opposite side and h is hypotenuse.