Visualising Sec

The page demonstrates how the function [math]sec[/math] is related to the [b]unit circle[/b] used by many mathematicians to explain the functions [math]sin, cos[/math] and [math]tan[/math]. It also extends to provide an argument for the trigonometric (pythagorean) identity: [math]sec2(x) = tan2(x) + 1[/math] This identifies the right angled triangle that is needed, and often ignored by teachers (resorting to simple statement divide by cos2(x)).

 

pelboothroyd

 
Resource Type
Activity
Tags
circle  cos  identity  sec  sin  tan  unit  unit-circle 
Target Group (Age)
15 – 18
Language
English (United Kingdom)
 
 
GeoGebra version
4.0
Views
1722
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