Step 1
Students engage in an exploration of points and angles on the unit circle.
Right triangle relationships are utilized to develop the relationship between angles and coordinates.
Mathematics lessons for IB® Diploma Programme
Applications and Interpretation | Geometry and Trigonometry
Unit Circle
Activity Overview
Students discover the relationship between the trigonometric functions of sine, cosine, and tangent and the side length ratios of a right triangle.
Key Steps
Step 2
Students link their prior knowledge of special right triangles to identify coordinates for 30, 45, and 60 degree angles on the unit circle.
Step 3
After establishing relationships in Quadrant I, students extend their knowledge through the application of symmetry to angles in Quadrants II, III, and IV.