2.5 Trigonometric Models

The Mathematics of Periodic Phenomena

Phenomena which display periodic nature, such as the motion of tides, the orbits of planets, or the spinning of a ferris wheel, that we can understand mathematically using trigonometic models. Once we develop a model, we can stride forwards to predict when something may happpen again in the future. Hence, in this unit we will learn about sine and cosine functions and how we can use these to develop models and make predictions. 

Key Concepts

In this unit you should learn to…

  • Recognise real world phenomena which are periodic.
  • Understand what sine and cosine are and where the sine and cosine graphs come from. 
  • Know about the key features of trigonometric graphs, such as the amplotude and period. Know how to transform trigonometric graphs. 
  • Be able to use a general trigonometric equation to solve applications problems. 

Essentials

1. Introducing Trigonometric Models 

Why are trigonometric models so helpful for describing things that continuously repeat? An introductory video which looks at some real world phenomena using trigonometry.

2. The Unit Circle and Trigonometric Graphs

What exactly is sine and cosine? We'll use the unit circle to understand what they are, and where their graphs come from. 

3. Intuitive Understanding of a Trigonometric Model 

This video presents an intuitive understanding of transformations of the sine and cosine curve in relation to amplitude and period of a wave. 

4. General Form of a Trigonometric Model

A more technical analysis of transformations which provides the formulae you can use to find a trigonometriy model

Sumary

 

Test yourself

Quiz

Practice your understanding on these quiz questions. Check your answers when you are done and read the worked solutions when you get stuck. If you find there are still some gaps in your understanding then go back to the videos and above.

Exam Style Questions

The following questions are based on IB exam style questions from past exams. You should print these off (from the document at the top) and try to do these questions under exam conditions. Then you can check your work with the video solution.

Question 1

Video Solution

Question 2

Video Solution

Question 3

Video Solution

MY PROGRESS

How much of 2.5 Trigonometric Models have you understood?