Circular Functions

Definition of Circular Functions

• Circular functions are functions defined using a unit circle.

Examples of Circular Functions

• The functions sine, cosine, tangent, secant, cosecant, and cotangent are examples of circular functions.

Solved Example on Circular Functions

State the sign of sin and cos for values of in the given interval

(0, ).

Choices:

A. +, -

B. +, +

C. -, -

D. -, +

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Step 1: Let be any angle and P(x, y) be any point on the terminal side of the angle in the interval (0, ).

Step 2: Let r denote the distance from P(x, y) to the origin. Then .

Step 3:

Step 4:

. Both are +ve.

Related Terms for Circular Functions

• Unit Circle
• Function

Additional Links for Circular Functions

• Click here for samples
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