Lesson Plan: Small Angle Approximations Mathematics

This lesson plan includes the objectives, prerequisites, and exclusions of the lesson teaching students how to approximate trigonometric functions when the angle of the function is close to zero.

Objectives

Students will be able to

  • approximate sin𝑥, cos𝑥, and tan𝑥 when 𝑥 is close to zero radians,
  • use the small angle approximations of the trigonometric functions to approximate the values of trigonometric expressions,
  • calculate the percentage error when approximating a trigonometric function using the small angle approximations,
  • use the small angle approximations of the trigonometric functions to prove trigonometric proofs.

Prerequisites

Students should already be familiar with

  • simplifying algebraic expressions,
  • radians,
  • graphs of trigonometric functions.

Exclusions

Students will not cover

  • reciprocal trigonometric functions.

Nagwa uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more about our Privacy Policy.