Exploring Trigonometric Ratios

G-SRT.3.6
In this activity, students will [b]relate the definitions of trigonometric ratios to a property of similar triangles. [/b]
Triangle ADE
Note that dragging [i]E[/i] moves Line [i]DE[/i] along Ray [i]AB[/i]. Line [i]DE [/i]was constructed to be perpendicular to Ray [i]AB[/i]. This makes Triangle [i]ADE[/i] a right triangle.
As you drag [i]E[/i], Triangle [i]ADE[/i] is changed, but what relationship exists between all these versions of Triangle [i]ADE[/i]?
Note that dragging C changes the measure of Angle A.
As you drag [i]C[/i], Triangle [i]ADE[/i] is changed, but what relationship exists between all these versions of Triangle [i]ADE[/i]?
Exploring Trigonometric Ratios Worksheet (don't worry about this if you've received the worksheet in class)
Use this to complete the tables 1 and 3 on the Exploring Trigonometric Ratios Worksheet
Answer this question after you've completed Table 1.
When you compared the values in Table 1 to values in a trigonometric table, what column did they match with?
Table 1
What did you observe about the multiple trials using the same angle in Table 1?
Answer this question after you've completed Table 3.
When you compared the values in Table 3 to values in a trigonometric table, what column did they match with?
Table 3
What did you observe about the multiple trials using the same angle in Table 3?
VOCABULARY
Remember that [b]complementary angles[/b] add up to 90 degrees.
Compare the values in table 1 to the values of the complementary angles in table 2.
What do you notice?
Close

Information: Exploring Trigonometric Ratios