What do Sine, Cosine and Tangent do?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the functions of sine, cosine, and tangent, particularly in the context of using a calculator to find the third side or an angle in a triangle. Participants explore the underlying calculations and algorithms involved in these trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks about the calculations happening in a calculator when finding the third side or an angle in a triangle, expressing a desire to understand the logic behind it.
  • Another participant suggests checking a video resource for an introduction to trigonometric ratios.
  • Some participants propose that calculators likely use algorithms to numerically approximate the values, referencing a Wikipedia page that discusses formulas and algorithms related to sine.
  • One participant specifically mentions the CORDIC algorithm as a method commonly used in calculators for these calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that calculators use algorithms for approximating trigonometric values, but there is no consensus on the specifics of these algorithms or their implementations.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of detailed explanations about the algorithms mentioned and the assumptions about the calculator's internal workings. The discussion does not resolve the specifics of how these algorithms function.

Liam C
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When I press these buttons on my calculator to find the third side or an angle in a triangle, what calculation is happening? What is the logic behind it all?
I know it's a very basic question, but I am only in grade 10 and have not started Math yet this year.
 
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Liam C said:
When I press these buttons on my calculator to find the third side or an angle in a triangle, what calculation is happening? What is the logic behind it all?
I know it's a very basic question, but I am only in grade 10 and have not started Math yet this year.
Inside the calculator there is probably an algorithm going on, that numerically approximates the questioned values.
One could e.g. use the formulas described on this Wikipedia page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sine#Series_definition
It contains a section about algorithms and further links, too.
 
fresh_42 said:
Inside the calculator there is probably an algorithm going on, that numerically approximates the questioned values.
One could e.g. use the formulas described on this Wikipedia page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sine#Series_definition
It contains a section about algorithms and further links, too.
Thanks, should have thought to check the wiki page myself! :DD
 
fresh_42 said:
Inside the calculator there is probably an algorithm going on, that numerically approximates the questioned values.
See CORDIC, an algorithm that is in widespread use in calculators.
 

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