Trigonometry with any angle
Determine the sign of trigonometric ratios in each quadrant, evaluate ratios at multiples of 90°, and apply supplementary and reflection identities to find exact values for any angle.
Worked examples
Determining the sign of a trig ratio from the quadrant
Straightforward
Problem
Without using a calculator, determine the sign of and state which quadrant the angle lies in.
1
Identify the quadrant by comparing with the quadrant boundaries.
The quadrant boundaries are , , , , . Since , the angle lies in the third quadrant.
2
Recall which ratios are positive in the third quadrant using the ASTC rule.
ASTC: All positive (Q1), Sin positive (Q2), Tan positive (Q3), Cos positive (Q4). In the third quadrant, only is positive; and are both negative.
3
State the sign of .
Since is in the third quadrant and is negative there, .
Answer
is negative (third quadrant).
Using the supplementary angle identity for an obtuse angle
Moderate
Problem
Find the exact value of using the supplementary angle identity.
1
Express in the form to identify the related acute angle.
, so the related acute angle is .
2
Apply the supplementary angle identity .
3
Substitute the exact value .
Answer
Simplifying an expression using reflection identities
Challenging
Problem
Use the identities and to simplify and evaluate .
1
Apply the identity with to simplify the first factor.
2
Apply the identity with to simplify the second factor.
3
Multiply the two simplified values to find the exact result.
Answer
Practise
Q1·Straightforward
What is the sign of for an angle in the second quadrant?
Explanation
Using the ASTC rule, only is positive in the second quadrant. So for any in the second quadrant.
Q2·Straightforward
What is the sign of for an angle in the third quadrant?
Explanation
Using the ASTC rule, only is positive in the third quadrant. Both and are negative, so for any in the third quadrant.
Q3·Straightforward
What is the sign of for an angle in the fourth quadrant?
Explanation
Using the ASTC rule, only is positive in the fourth quadrant. Since , and while in Q4, we get .
Q4·Straightforward
Find the exact value of .
Explanation
At , the terminal point on the unit circle is . Since equals the -coordinate, .
Q5·Moderate
Find the exact value of using the supplementary angle identity . Give your answer as a fraction.
/
Explanation
.
Q6·Moderate
Find the exact value of using the supplementary angle identity . Give your answer as a fraction.
/
Explanation
.
Q7·Moderate
Use the identity to find the exact value of .
Explanation
.
Q8·Moderate
Use the supplementary angle identity to find the value of . Give your answer to 2 decimal places.
Explanation
.
Q9·Challenging
Use the identity to simplify and state its exact value as a fraction.
/
Explanation
.
Q10·Challenging
Use the identity to find the exact value of . Give your answer as a fraction.
/
Explanation
.
Q11·Challenging
Use the identity to find the exact value of .
Explanation
. Note: in the third quadrant both and are negative, so is positive, which is consistent.
Q12·Challenging
Use the identities and to evaluate .
Explanation
. . Adding: .