# Math Help - trigonometry

1. ## trigonometry

Give an example, with justification:
A real life situation requiring the use of a trigonometry identity.

Knowledge is life, so open your doors of perception.

2. Anything you want square. Measuring the sides will not get you there unless:

1) You can verify the corners are right angles, or

2) You can calculate and measure the diagonals.

3. Here is one use of identities that is introduced to students in a high school physics class ... the derivation of the range formula for the horizontal displacement of a projectile (Galilean model).

$\Delta y = v_0 \sin(\theta) t - \frac{1}{2}gt^2$

since the projectile lands at the same height it started,
$\Delta y = 0$ ...

$0 = v_0 \sin(\theta) t - \frac{1}{2}gt^2$

solving for t ...

$t = \frac{2v_0 \sin(\theta)}{g}$

horizontal displacement is given by the formula ...

$\Delta x = v_0 \cos(\theta) t$

using the last two equations, eliminate the parameter t ...

$\Delta x = \frac{2v_0^2 \sin(\theta) \cos(\theta)}{g}$

using the double angle identity
$\sin(2\theta) = 2\sin(\theta)\cos(\theta)$,
the last equation becomes ...

$\Delta x = \frac{v_0^2 \sin(2\theta)}{g}$

from this equation, it can be deduced that the launch angle for maximum horizontal range is 45 degrees.