General Mathematics

Heuristics for Memorizing Trigonometric Identities

Authors: Timothy W. Jones
Comments: 11 Pages.

Trigonometric identities are hard to memorize. Frequently a plus or minus is the rub. We give various heuristics that help refine guesses as to an identity and get, with a little work, it correct. Heuristics, for us, are plausible arguments using graphs, consistency (with other identities), test points, and transformations. We also specify the utility of each identity in the context of advanced mathematics -- calculus -- with the hope that meaning adds to memorable credence.
Category: General Mathematics