About Course

This course, Fundamentals of Trigonometry – Part 1, is designed to build a deep and intuitive understanding of the foundational concepts in trigonometry. From angle measures and unit circle definitions to identities and graphing, this course lays the groundwork for success in Pre-Calculus, Calculus, and beyond. Students will explore the connections between right triangle ratios, circular functions, and graphical representations while mastering the language and logic of trigonometric reasoning. With a focus on visual understanding, procedural fluency, and strategic application, this course is ideal for high school or early college students preparing for advanced math or standardized exams.

What Will You Learn?

  • Develop a strong conceptual and procedural foundation in trigonometry
  • Measure and convert angles in degrees and radians
  • Use the unit circle to evaluate and understand trig functions
  • Master graphing techniques for sine, cosine, tangent, and reciprocal functions
  • Evaluate and interpret inverse trig functions and their graphs
  • Apply and verify key trigonometric identities
  • Strengthen problem-solving strategies for standardized exams and future math courses
  • Build fluency in algebraic manipulation involving trig expressions
  • Gain confidence in approaching complex trig topics with clarity and structure
  • Prepare for higher-level courses like Pre-Calculus, Calculus, and Physics

Course Content

1. Angles and Radian Measure
This topic introduces the basic language of trigonometry—angles, their measurement in degrees and radians, and key calculations involving arc length and sector area. Students will also learn how to manipulate and interpret angles on the coordinate plane.

  • 1.1 Angle Types and Terminology
  • 1.2 Radian Measure and Conversions
  • 1.3 Arc Length and Sector Area
  • 1.4 Coterminal and Reference Angles

2. Trigonometric Functions and the Unit Circle
This topic connects right triangle definitions of trig functions to the unit circle, empowering students to evaluate trig values for common angles and understand the function behavior across quadrants.

3. Graphs of Trigonometric Functions
This topic brings trigonometric functions to life through graphing. Students will investigate how changes in amplitude, period, and phase affect sine, cosine, and other functions.

4. Inverse Trigonometric Functions
This topic brings trigonometric functions to life through graphing. Students will investigate how changes in amplitude, period, and phase affect sine, cosine, and other functions.

5. Identities
This topic equips students with the essential toolkit of trigonometric identities—key to simplifying expressions, verifying equalities, and solving equations.