trig function: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “trig function” mean?
One of the basic mathematical functions of an angle (sine, cosine, tangent, etc.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of the basic mathematical functions of an angle (sine, cosine, tangent, etc.), central to the field of trigonometry.
A function (e.g., sin, cos, tan) that relates the angles of a triangle to the lengths of its sides. In extended use, it refers to the periodic functions (including their reciprocals and inverses) fundamental to modeling cyclical phenomena in science and engineering.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The abbreviation 'trig' is common in both.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both regions, used only within relevant technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “trig function” in a Sentence
The [trig function] of [angle/argument]Plot the [trig function]Simplify the expression involving [trig functions]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “trig function” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- To solve this, you must first trig the function to isolate the angle.
- He trigged the function to simplify the integration.
American English
- First, you need to trig the function to get the angle by itself.
- She trigged the function before taking the derivative.
adjective
British English
- The trig-functional relationship is clearly periodic.
- This trig-functional analysis is key.
American English
- The trig functional relationship shows a clear pattern.
- We need a trig functional approach to model the wave.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in mathematics, physics, and engineering curricula and research.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside of educational or technical discussion.
Technical
Primary domain of use; essential vocabulary in calculus, signal processing, and scientific modelling.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “trig function”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “trig function”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “trig function”
- Using 'trig function' to refer to any function in a trigonometry *problem*, rather than the specific sine/cosine/etc. functions.
- Confusing 'trig' with 'trick' in spoken language due to similar pronunciation.
- Misspelling as 'trick function'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a standard abbreviation for 'trigonometric', relating to trigonometry.
Sine (sin), Cosine (cos), Tangent (tan), Cosecant (csc), Secant (sec), and Cotangent (cot).
No, it is a highly specialised technical term used almost exclusively in mathematics, science, and engineering contexts.
They are used to model periodic phenomena like sound waves, light waves, and the changing seasons, and are essential in fields like engineering, physics, and computer graphics.
One of the basic mathematical functions of an angle (sine, cosine, tangent, etc.
Trig function is usually technical in register.
Trig function: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtrɪɡ ˈfʌŋkʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtrɪɡ ˈfʌŋkʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The usual trig suspects (informal, referring to the six basic functions)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SOH CAH TOA: Sine = Opposite/Hypotenuse, Cosine = Adjacent/Hypotenuse, Tangent = Opposite/Adjacent. These are the three basic trig functions.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGLE AS A POSITION ON A WHEEL/CIRCLE; PERIODICITY AS CYCLICAL MOTION (e.g., waves, rotations).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'trig function' most essential?