Triangles!!!

[cjucalc]

I've been teaching myself calculus this summer but I'm struggling with grasping the trigonometry problems-my trig background isn't great. Any suggestions? Should I brush up my identities? I'm struggling particularly with understanding derivatives of trig and inverse trig functions algebraically. Any good websites I could look at on the subject?

 

[mmm4444bot]

I've been teaching myself calculus this summer but I'm struggling with grasping the trigonometry

Any suggestions?

Why are you teaching yourself calculus?

If it's for fun, then, yes, there are many trigonometry lessons, videos, some free courses and such on the Internet. You will need to google and evaluate because "good website" is a subjective opinion. Take what works for you, and leave the rest.

If you're preparing for mandatory knowledge related to a college degree or your vocation, perhaps you ought to consider academic advisement.

I'm struggling particularly with understanding derivatives of trig and inverse trig functions algebraically.

How many exercises of this type have you worked?

 

[cjucalc]

I'm teaching myself because I'm transferring to a new college as a junior, and I want to major in physics/chem (previously undecided). i thought it if learned enough i could test out of the first couple courses (like one and two, or just one at least). basically, i have a book that gives the concepts then gives you a bunch of exercises. with the derivatives, i have basic shortcuts given (d/dx sin x= cos x, d/dx cos x=-sin x, etc.) then i do a bunch of problems, like 15. same for the inverse functions. the issue is, i don't feel like i fully get it. like intuitively, i can see how d/dx sin x= cos x just by following the slope of the sine graph, but algebraically i can't derive it from the difference quotient, and i don't really know any of the trig identities.

 

[mmm4444bot]

Contact academic advising at the college; they probably have sample placement tests, and they can help you determine whether your plan to skip courses is sound.

If you're a capable self-teacher, then the trig issues may be a matter of insufficient exposure. Try more effort. Start at Google.

Memorize some basic identities.

Be aware that there is a lot more to trigonometry than the calculus of trigonometric functions. This is especially true for physics (eg: angular momentum). I would be careful, if considering skipping trig, because there are trends involving students who have taken trig yet struggle with related concepts in physics. :cool:

 

[Deleted member 4993]

If you are not comfortable with trigonometry - you'll have an uphill journey with physics.

So no matter what - get the trigonometry totally understood - formally. Otherwise you might have a nightmarish journey with Physics (not so much with Chemistry).