Visualizing Sine and Cosine on a Unit Circle: Accurate or Not?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the accuracy of visualizing sine and cosine on a unit circle. Participants note that the original representation lacks clarity for those unfamiliar with the concepts, as it does not explain that cosine corresponds to the x-coordinate and sine to the y-coordinate. An attached diagram is shared, which some believe provides a clearer illustration of these relationships. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of effective visual representation in understanding trigonometric functions. Clear diagrams enhance comprehension for learners.
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Is this an accurate way of displaying sine and cosine on a unit circle? :wink:
 

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Well, it doesn't really contain much information, and would probably not make sense to anyone who doesn't already know that the cosine is the x coordinate of points along the unit circle and the sine is the y coordinate.

- Warren
 
See the attachment for a diagram that illustrates what I believe you were trying to say.
 

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Nice, I remember seeing that on the blackboard in my class a few years ago. :smile:
 
Zorodius said:
See the attachment for a diagram that illustrates what I believe you were trying to say.

i think that's a much better representation.
 
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