cos(θ) is the x-coordinate of the point P and, sin(θ) is the y-coordinate of the point P. This applet shows how the graphs of sin(θ) and cos(θ) follow directly from the definition of these functions.

This circle has the centre at the origin and a radius of 1 unit. The point P can move around the circumference of the circle. At point P the \(x\)-coordinate is \(\cos{\theta}\) and the \(y ...

but many fail to make the leap on how crucial circles are for trig functions. With static graphs and equations, it's possible to get a handle on the rules of what various functions do and mean.

This circle has the centre at the origin and a radius of 1 unit. The point P can move around the circumference of the circle. At point P the \(x\)-coordinate is \(\cos{\theta}\) and the \(y ...