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MathsMediumClass 11

Trigonometric Ratios — Values, signs in quadrants

Trigonometric Functions & Equations

8

JEE Qs

8%

Hard

60

min

Master the unit circle and the ASTC rule for rapidly determining signs and values of trigonometric ratios for any angle, crucial for speed and accuracy in problems.

🧮 Key Formulas

sin(theta) = Perpendicular/Hypotenuse
cos(theta) = Base/Hypotenuse
tan(theta) = Perpendicular/Base = sin(theta)/cos(theta)
cosec(theta) = 1/sin(theta)
sec(theta) = 1/cos(theta)
cot(theta) = 1/tan(theta) = cos(theta)/sin(theta)
sin^2(theta) + cos^2(theta) = 1
1 + tan^2(theta) = sec^2(theta)
1 + cot^2(theta) = cosec^2(theta)

✅ Key Points for JEE

  • 1The signs of trigonometric ratios in different quadrants are determined by the 'All Silver Tea Cups' (or ASTC) rule: All positive in Q1, Sin positive in Q2, Tan positive in Q3, Cos positive in Q4.
  • 2For angles greater than 90 degrees or negative angles, first identify the quadrant to determine the sign, then use the reference angle (acute angle formed with the x-axis) for the magnitude of the ratio.
  • 3Master the exact values of trigonometric ratios for standard angles (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°) and their radian equivalents (0, pi/6, pi/4, pi/3, pi/2).
  • 4Visualize trigonometric ratios using the unit circle where for any point (x,y) on the circle, x=cos(theta) and y=sin(theta), providing a direct way to see signs and periodic nature.
  • 5Remember the reciprocal relationships: cosec(theta) = 1/sin(theta), sec(theta) = 1/cos(theta), cot(theta) = 1/tan(theta).

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  • Incorrectly assigning signs to trigonometric ratios in various quadrants, especially when dealing with angles outside [0, 90°] or negative angles.
  • Mixing up reciprocal identities (e.g., confusing sec(theta) with cosec(theta) or cot(theta) with tan(theta)).
  • Failing to recall or incorrectly recalling the exact values of trigonometric ratios for standard angles (0, 30, 45, 60, 90 degrees/radians).
  • Algebraic errors when simplifying expressions involving squares of ratios (e.g., writing sin(theta) + cos(theta) = 1 instead of sin^2(theta) + cos^2(theta) = 1).

NCERT Chapters

  • Class 10 Mathematics Ch 8: Introduction to Trigonometry
  • Class 11 Mathematics Ch 3: Trigonometric Functions