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To Gather
Scientific calculators
The goal of this activity is to redefine cosine and sine using the unit circle. Previously, students have used cosine and sine only in reference to right triangles. This is an important step as students transition to an understanding of cosine and sine as functions.
Monitor for students who:
Provide access to scientific calculators.
Select students who used each strategy described in the Activity Narrative, to share later. Aim to elicit both key mathematical ideas and a variety of student responses, especially from students who haven't shared recently.
What are the exact coordinates of point
The goal of this discussion is to recognize that we can think of the coordinates of
Display 2–3 approaches from previously selected students for all to see.
Use Compare and Connect to help students compare, contrast, and connect the different approaches. Here are some questions for discussion:
Ask students to predict the values for
Conclude the discussion by telling students that cosine and sine do exist for angles greater than
Scientific calculators
The purpose of this activity is for students to further their understanding of the relationship between cosine, sine, the Pythagorean Theorem, and the unit circle in order to show that the Pythagorean Identity is always true. Students study some specific points to determine if they are, or are not, on the unit circle, by reasoning about the structure of points on a circle (MP7). During the synthesis, the Pythagorean Identity is defined as
Provide access to scientific calculators. Arrange students in groups of 2. Ask, “Is the point
If students ask where the coordinates with the square roots came from, let them know that they are the exact coordinates for the point at
The goal of this discussion is for students to conclude that the value of
Ask, “If
Give partners 2–3 minutes of work time, and then pair groups together to share and refine their reasoning. Invite students to share their group’s thinking with the whole class, displaying any diagrams created. If both approaches—using the equation for the unit circle and using the Pythagorean Theorem—are not brought up, do so now.
Conclude the discussion by telling students that the equation