Trigonometric identities

There are 13 NRICH Mathematical resources connected to Trigonometric identities
Trig reps
problem

Trig reps

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

Octa-flower

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