COURSE DESCRIPTION

Covers topics including right triangles, oblique triangles, identities, graphs, and applications. Develops the mathematical proficiency necessary for selected curriculum entrance. Credits not applicable toward graduation. Lecture 2 hours per week.

GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE

This course is designed as a one-semester courses to develop competency in the basic trigonometric skills necessary to succeed in 100-level math course. The use of current technology is strongly encouraged.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES

Prerequisites are a satisfactory score on an appropriate proficiency examination and Algebra I and Algebra II or equivalent.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

A. compute trigonometric values of angles using radians and degrees

B. solve applied trigonometric problems

C. graph trig functions

D. simplify trig expressions and identities

E. solve trig equations

MAJOR TOPICS TO BE INCLUDED
 

A. Angles

1. 0°-360°
2. Measurement in degrees and radians; conversions
3. Standard position

B. Pythagorean theorem and distance formula (no proofs)

C. Trig functions of right triangles

1. Six basic functions

a. definition in terms of right triangle
b. basic relationships

2. Finding trig values from a right triangle

3. Finding remaining trig values from a given trig value by construction of a right triangle

4. Special angles: 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°

5. Applications

D. Trig functions of non-acute angles

1. Finding trig functions from right triangle construction
2. Reduction techniques
3. Signs of trig functions in all quadrants

E. Use of calculators

1. Angles of 0°-90°
2. Given angle, find functional value and vice-versa
3. Angles larger than 90°

F. Graphs of trig functions

G. Solving right triangles and applications

H. Trigonometry of general triangles

1. Law of sines
2. Law of cosines
3. Applications

I. Simplifying trig expressions and identities

J. Solving trig equations

1. Linear
2. Quadratic
3. Applications

A. Trig functions of sum and difference of two angles, double angles, and half angles

B. Periods of trig functions, phase differences

C. Inverse functions

D. Ambiguous case in law of sines

E. Vectors and resolution of forces

F. Complex numbers

G. Unit circle or circular function approach