Study Help

Tips & Tricks to master Trig & Functions

by mickey.geldenhuys

We know that Maths can be a difficult subject to wrap your head around but X-kit Achieve is here to support you to do your best. We would like to share with you some tips and tricks for when you study Trigonometry and Functions.

Trigonometry

Step 1: Master your basic terminology you need to know. This will help with interpreting the question and then deciding on what you need to do to solve the problem. Here are some terms you will need to know:

  • Right angled triangle: any triangle that contains one angle of 90º.
  • Opposite side: when working with a right­-angled triangle and trigonometric ratios, the opposite side is the side opposite the angle in question.
  • Adjacent side: when working with a right­-angled triangle and trigonometric ratios, the side next to the angle in question, but not the hypotenuse.
  • Hypotenuse: the longest side of a right-angled triangle. It is the side opposite the right angle of a right-angled triangle.
  • Ratio: the relationship between two numbers indicating how many times the first number contains the second.

 You can look up more definitions in the X-kit Achieve Glossary.
 
Step 2: Master the trigonometric ratios: Cosine (cos), sine (sin) and tangent (tan) and attempt as many questions as possible with different scenarios. Here are the definitions of the mentioned ratios.

  • Cosine: is a trigonometric ratio defined as the adjacent side divided by the hypotenuse.
  • Sine: is a trigonometric ratio, expressed as opposite side divided by hypotenuse.
  • Tangent: is a trigonometric ratio, expressed as opposite side divided by adjacent side in a right-angled triangle.

Step 3: Master how to use your calculator to find trigonometric ratios.

Step 4: You need to know what special angles are. Do as many questions as possible that require you to find ratios without a calculator.
 
Step 5: Start with very easy questions and then move on to the hard ones. Once you are sure that you have mastered the concept that is required by doing the easy questions, then you can attempt the harder questions.
 
The trick with Trigonometry is to master the basic terminology and then attempt as many exercises as possible.
 
X-kit Achieve Mobile is a great way for you to revise and practise Trigonometry. Unlock your FREE topic and master Trig!
www.xkit.mobi
OR
Available on Google Play Store
 

Functions

Step 1: Ensure that you understand what a Function is and what it is not. Think of some examples of Functions as you reflect on the definition of a Function.
 
Step 2: Master the terms used in this topic. Don’t forget to use the X-kit Achieve Glossary to help you find the definitions. Here are some to get you started:

  • Domain: the complete set of independent variables (x-values) that are possible for a given function.
  • Range: the set of possible y-values (values of the dependent variable) for a function.
  • One-to-one function: a function in which a unique element of the domain is associated with only one corresponding element in the range.
  • Notation: the notation (standardised set of rules and symbols) that allows us to describe functions.

Step 3: Ensure that you draw on your prior knowledge of Functions from Grades 8 and 9.

 
Step 4: Once you have mastered the terminology, attempt some questions to see if you can now interpret what is required by questions on Functions.
 
Step 5: Again in this topic, start with the simple questions and then move on to more challenging ones when you are sure that you have mastered the topic.
 
X-kit Achieve Mobile is a great way for you to revise and practise Functions. Unlock your FREE topic and master those Functions!
www.xkit.mobi
OR
Available on Google Play

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