Trigonometry • College Preparatory Mathematics
Trigonometry A problem-solving course connecting angles, triangles, circular measure, functions, identities, and advanced algebra.
TRIG
Course Overview
CP Trigonometry and Selected Functions Purpose This course follows CP Algebra 2 and CP Geometry and develops the skills and confidence needed for college-level mathematics for non-engineering/science majors. Problem solving is emphasized while algebraic skills are continually reinforced.
Course Emphasis Trigonometric functions receive special emphasis, with additional work in radicals, exponential and logarithmic functions, identities, non-right triangles, and rational expressions.
Curriculum organization: The curriculum overview says “6 units,” while the detailed skills section lists Units 1–9. This website follows the nine detailed unit descriptions so no listed curriculum content is omitted.
Course Map
Units Select a unit to open its lesson map, explanations, videos, vocabulary, sample problems, rules, review guide, and performance task.
Unit 1 Introduction to Trigonometry Build the language of angles and triangles, then connect right-triangle ratios to coordinates and the unit circle. Unit 2 Right Triangle Trigonometry Use special triangles, inverse functions, reference angles, identities, and equations to solve right triangles and applications. Unit 3 Radian Measure Define radians geometrically, rebuild the unit circle in radians, and use radians for exact values, arc length, and sector area. Unit 4 Graphing Trigonometric Functions Build sine and cosine graphs from the unit circle, then analyze transformations and graph all six trigonometric functions. Unit 5 Irrational Functions Strengthen radical and rational-exponent skills, work with complex numbers, and solve radical equations and applications. Unit 6 Exponential & Logarithmic Functions Connect exponential growth and decay to inverse logarithmic functions, equations, graphs, and models. Unit 7 Trigonometric Identities Use fundamental identities to simplify trigonometric expressions and verify identities through valid algebraic transformations. Unit 8 Law of Sines & Law of Cosines Solve non-right triangles, handle the SSA ambiguous case, calculate area, and apply trigonometry to realistic geometry. Unit 9 Rational Expressions Simplify and operate on rational expressions, solve rational equations, simplify complex fractions, and graph rational functions. Consistent Workflow
How Each Unit Is Built
1. Lesson Map See the learning sequence before beginning. 2. Content Summary Learn the idea, method, and checks for each lesson.
3. Videos Use targeted video support for each lesson.
4. STRIDES + Practice Build your own notes and complete guided/independent work in the student workbook.
5. Skills Check Packet Receive the full packet at the start of the unit and complete checks as each subsection is mastered.
6. Review + Performance Task Mix the skills and apply the mathematics in context.
Big Ideas
Essential Questions
How do sine, cosine, tangent, reciprocal functions, and quotient identities help solve right triangles?
How can the unit circle produce exact trigonometric values and support trigonometric equations?
What is a radian, and how does radian measure connect angles to circular distance?
What do the graphs of the six trigonometric functions show, and how can those graphs be transformed?
How do the Laws of Sines and Cosines solve triangles without a right angle?
How do exponential functions connect to logarithmic functions, and how do logarithms solve exponential equations?
Show Mastery
Assessment Structure Skills Checks Each unit uses one Skills Check packet distributed before the unit begins. Individual sections can be completed as students demonstrate readiness.
Unit & Quarter Assessment Unit assessments follow the completion of the unit. The curriculum also identifies summative quarter assessments after Units 1–3 and Units 4–6.
Tools
Resources Calculator Use a scientific or graphing calculator strategically, paying close attention to degree/radian mode.
Online Learning Khan Academy and YouTube resources support lesson review and alternate explanations.
Student Workbook Use STRIDES notes, purposeful visual workspaces, guided practice, independent practice, and readiness checks alongside the website.