Trigonometric functions

Trigonometric functions relate the angles of a triangle to the ratios of its side lengths. Think of a right triangle: with one angle, the sine function compares the length of the side opposite that angle to the hypotenuse (the longest side). Cosine compares the adjacent side to the hypotenuse, and tangent compares the opposite side to the adjacent side. These functions are used to analyze and describe periodic phenomena like sound waves, light, and rotations, and are fundamental in fields like physics, engineering, and navigation. They help translate angles into meaningful numerical relationships.