Sample work Mathematics K–10 Stage 5: Can do trigonometry

Description of activity

Students will be asked to demonstrate what they understand and can do in relation to their work in trigonometry. Students complete the worksheet.

Possible prompts to assist in student engagement:

• Why don’t you draw a right-angled triangle to get started?
• Do you remember the names given to each side in relation to a marked angle?
• Can you write down the relationship for sin A in your diagram?
• Can you remember some types of trigonometry questions you did in class exercises?
• Can you use trigonometry to find an unknown side? an unknown angle?/li>
• In Part 2, what do you think is meant by the words ‘practical problems’?
• Can you extend your response by creating and solving more difficult questions in Part 1? Part 2?

(Material developed by Dr Doug Clarke for the NSW Government.)

Context

This assessment activity could be presented to students at the end of a unit on Trigonometry where students have been exploring the ratios of sides of triangles, identifying trigonometric ratios, and applying their knowledge, skills and understanding to a variety of problems.

Outcomes

MA5.1-1WM uses appropriate terminology, diagrams and symbols in mathematical contexts

MA5.1-2WM selects and uses appropriate strategies to solve problems

MA5.1-3WM provides reasoning to support conclusions that are appropriate to the context

MA5.1-10MG applies trigonometry, given diagrams, to solve problems, including problems involving angles of elevation and depression

Criteria for assessing learning

(These criteria would normally be communicated to students with the activity.)

Students will be assessed on their ability to:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of trigonometric ratios
• use trigonometry to solve practical problems.