• Switch between degree and radian measurements for angles
• Understand and use the basic rules and relationships in trigonometry
• Analyze trigonometric functions by examining their graphs, identifying cycles, and describing shifts in sine and cosine graphs

Trigonometric Analysis of a Ferris Wheel

Trigonometric functions are periodic in nature, meaning they repeat over and over again. Consider riding in a large ferris wheel which slowly rotates around. You enter the ride on a raised platform and complete one full rotation on the Ferris wheel.

Your height in feet on the ferris wheel after t minutes is described by the equation

 

[latex]h(t)=-90 \cos \left( \frac{\pi}{6}t \right)+100[/latex]