Introduction to Trigonometry for Engineering

Learning about trigonometry can be challenging. Once you feel you mastered solutions to one trigonometry problem, you get stumped on the next. This introductory course on trigonometry for engineers has been specially prepared to help you make this journey effortless. What are trigonometric functions? How can trig functions be evaluated with the right type of scientific calculator? We answer basic trigonometry questions and provide simple definitions to help you with its processes. You can find applications of trigonometry in our day to day life. For example, triangulation is used in astronomy to measure the distances to nearby stars, in geography to measure distances between landmarks and in satellite navigation systems. This course prepares you for your trigonometry journey by taking you through examples that show the step-by-step process of how to complete different types of problems in trigonometry.

You use simple trig functions to ‘solve’ right-angled triangles. To do this, you must know the definition of particular angles. Explore how an angle determines the ratio of sides, and the ratio determines the angle. We illustrate how to solve for triangles using trig ratios. Examine the different types of angles and their classification. You will also learn about the measurement of angles and the conversion between degrees and radians. In trigonometry, each side of a right-angled triangle has a name. The ‘hypotenuse’ is the triangle’s longest side and is always opposite the right-angle. The other two sides are ‘opposite’ or ‘adjacent’, depending on which angle you refer to. Analyse the terms ‘sine’, ‘cosine’, ‘tangent’ and other reciprocal trigonometric functions and explore their cofunctions. Study the trigonometric values of quadrantal angles.

The final section explains reciprocal, quotient and Pythagorean identities. We discuss solving for sine, cosine and tangents of the sum or difference of two angles before investigating double angle and half-angle identities. Today, electrical current and computers use angles in ways that are difficult to see directly but rely on the fundamental rules of trigonometry to work correctly. We outline in detail how to solve first- and second-degree trigonometric equations and work with equations with more than one trigonometric function. The learning contents in this course is crucial and will help you understand all its fundamental concepts. It will be of great interest to students, researchers, engineers, land surveyors, or anyone interested in the working knowledge of trigonometry. So register for this course and improve your mathematical skills.