Easiest way to learn Trig

Two Hundred Twenty Sixth Post: Easiest way to learn Trig

What is the easiest way to learn trigonometry? Trig is a very challenging subject when you are first introduced it, like any math. The secret is to study your geometry and geometric constructions. Drafting often complements math especially geometry and trig.

But there are two ways to be introduced to the sine and cosine. One is the “unit circle” and the other is defined by triangles. In the trig book I learned trig from (Analytical Trigonometry with applications, Barnett, Ziegler) the triangle method is introduced first then how a segment of a circle relates to the radius is explored. After the law of sines and cosines the unit circle is finally introduced.

It leads to a great way to learn trig, but what is the student wants to learn the basics overnight. That doesn’t mean to learn all of trig before the final. It means to be introduced to trig to get a rough understanding to follow problems and examples that will apply the theory and encourage students to learn.

My method to learn is just to simplify everything. Instead of using a triangle or a unit circle the student will be introduced to a line. And as this line moves (rotating around a fixed axis) its size will change. It will show that trig is just a proportion of lines.

Of course the technique is just a faster way of what any trig book would teach. The thing to note is that it is simplified enough not to intimated the student with complex theories.

But until I finish my trig VTM and get a small files size... May the Creative Force be with You