- #1
Visualizing Sine and Cosine on a Unit Circle: Accurate or Not?
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SUMMARY
The discussion centers on the accuracy of visualizing sine and cosine on a unit circle. Participants agree that the representation lacks sufficient information for those unfamiliar with the concepts. Specifically, it is emphasized that cosine corresponds to the x-coordinate and sine to the y-coordinate of points on the unit circle. An attached diagram is referenced as a more effective illustration of these relationships.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of trigonometric functions, specifically sine and cosine
- Familiarity with the unit circle concept in mathematics
- Basic knowledge of coordinate systems
- Ability to interpret mathematical diagrams and graphs
- Research the mathematical properties of the unit circle
- Explore graphical representations of trigonometric functions
- Learn about the relationship between sine, cosine, and angles
- Investigate educational tools for teaching trigonometry effectively
Students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding trigonometric functions and their graphical representations on the unit circle.
- #2
chroot
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 10,266
- 45
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
- Warren
- #3
Zorodius
- 184
- 0
See the attachment for a diagram that illustrates what I believe you were trying to say.
- #4
Chen
- 976
- 1
Nice, I remember seeing that on the blackboard in my class a few years ago. 
- #5
FlatlineLemon
- 16
- 0
Zorodius said:
i think that's a much better representation.
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