Trigonometric identities

  • Trig reps
    problem

    Trig reps

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Can you deduce the familiar properties of the sine and cosine functions starting from these three different mathematical representations?
  • t for Tan
    problem

    T for tan

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Can you find a way to prove the trig identities using a diagram?
  • Quaternions and Reflections
    problem

    Quaternions and reflections

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    See how 4 dimensional quaternions involve vectors in 3-space and how the quaternion function F(v) = nvn gives a simple algebraic method of working with reflections in planes in 3-space.
  • Quaternions and Rotations
    problem

    Quaternions and rotations

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Find out how the quaternion function G(v) = qvq^-1 gives a simple algebraic method for working with rotations in 3-space.
  • Sine and Cosine for Connected Angles
    problem

    Sine and cosine for connected angles

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    The length AM can be calculated using trigonometry in two different ways. Create this pair of equivalent calculations for different peg boards, notice a general result, and account for it.
  • Loch Ness
    problem

    Loch ness

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Draw graphs of the sine and modulus functions and explain the humps.
  • Octa-flower
    problem

    Octa-flower

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Join some regular octahedra, face touching face and one vertex of each meeting at a point. How many octahedra can you fit around this point?
  • Polar Flower
    problem

    Polar flower

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    This polar equation is a quadratic. Plot the graph given by each factor to draw the flower.
  • Reflect Again
    problem

    Reflect again

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Follow hints to investigate the matrix which gives a reflection of the plane in the line y=tanx. Show that the combination of two reflections in intersecting lines is a rotation.
  • Shape and territory
    problem

    Shape and territory

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    If for any triangle ABC tan(A - B) + tan(B - C) + tan(C - A) = 0 what can you say about the triangle?