5.1. The Unit Circle http://www.ck12.org
Example B
Identify a pattern in the heights of the points in the first quadrant to help you remember the points.
Solution: The heights of the points in the first quadrant are they-coordinates which are: 0,^12 ,
√ 2
2 ,
√ 3
2 ,^1
When rewritten, the pattern becomes clear:^02 ,
√ 1
2 ,
√ 2
2 ,
√ 3
2 ,
√ 4
2.
The three points in the middle are the most often mixed up. This pattern illustrates how they increase in size from
small^12 , to medium
√ 2
2 , to large√ 3
and large and this will tell you were each value should go. Notice that the heights for these five points in the second^2. When you fill in the unit circle, look for the heights that are small, medium
quadrant are also 0,^12 ,
√ 2
2 ,
√ 3
2 ,1.
This technique also works for the widths. This can make memorizing the 16 points of the unit circle a matter of