Generating Trigonometric Identities by Inductive Reasoning, Using Super Hexagon and Its Application
Abstract
Trigonometric functions are basic mathematical objects that all students and academics at different level of education who are studying science and engineering try to tame. Usually, referring to them brings to mind difficulties of memorizing connections linking them. This paper discusses how a basic tool “super hexagon”, a hexagonal diagram whose vertices are labeled using the six basic trigonometric ratios to generate some trigonometric identities by inductive reasoning. This will hasten the understanding of undergraduates in finding the derivatives of trigonometric functions. It also suggests an alternative way to show the relationships between the main trigonometric functions, in order to help in understanding them as well as in visualizing the various connections. Hence, apply them in mathematical models of their respective disciplines in applied sciences
