The Unit Circle
Consider the equation:
x2 + y2 = 1
Math geeks can appreciate its elegance and simplicity: the unit circle, a circle with a radius of 1.
For anyone who has taken pre-calculus or above, you also (hopefully) know it as it relates to trigonometry. You probably griped about having to memorize it. But if you got to the point where pure memorization gave way to real understanding and internalization, you probably now also appreciate just how useful it is.
For anyone who is about to take pre-calculus, examining this circle in a bit more depth will give you a preview of what’s to come:
- The Unit Circle from Humboldt State University
- SparkNotes on the Unit Circle
- An Interactive Unit Circle
These links are just a few of many sites that extol the virtues of the unit circle. For my part, I will just say that your life (or at least calculus) will be considerably easier if you take the time to memorize (and then really understand) this “simple” little function.