Trigonometry
Applied to the Biological Sciences
(TABS)

Your success in Trigonometry this semester is our primary concern!

We believe if you will use the materials and follow the study suggestions outlined in the Trigonometry Applied to the Biological Sciences Learning Supplement (TABS Learning Supplement) you will be successful; we can almost guarantee it! Further, we believe these study materials and suggestions provide a sound foundation for your success in your biological sciences major and in learning mathematics in future courses.

The TABS Learning Supplement is based on the belief that all students can master Trigonometry given proper prerequisites, coursework materials, support, and your commitment to try to learn. The TABS Learning Supplement has been designed and developed to provide proper coursework materials from the biological sciences to supplement the text and to provide you with guidance and support in learning Trigonometry. Ultimately, however, it depends on your commitment to try to learn Trigonometry. If you do not use the TABS Learning Supplement and do not do the homework and do not attend class each time it meets and do not really care to study, then no Learning Supplement, no matter how good the materials are, can help you learn and, hence, pass Trigonometry.

The components of the TABS Learning Supplement are:

• Suggestions for How to Study Math
• Materials to Help you Use the TI-83 Graphing Calculator
• Applications from the Biological Sciences that use Trigonometry
• Learning Assessment Measures (LAMs) to Help you Determine your Progress in Learning the Trigonometry

Part 1: How to Study Math (SM-numbered pages)

• Transition from High School to College Mathematics (SM-1)
• Trying (SM-2)
• Asking Questions (SM-3)
• Two-hour Study Guideline (SM-3)

• Study Tips (SM-4)
• How to Read your Mathematics Textbook Properly (SM-4)
• The Proper Use of the Trigonometry Learning Aids (SM-6)

• The Language of Mathematics (SM-7)
• Techniques with Names, Laws, Properties, and Theorems with Names (SM-8)
• Should I Bother with Studying Proofs? (SM-10)
• Solutions in the Text and in Class (SM-11)
• Mistakes which Frequently Occur in Algebra (SM-12)
• Your Instructor (SM-20)

• How to Prepare for an Exam (SM-21)
• How To Prepare For A Comprehensive Final Exam (SM-23)
• How to Take an Exam (SM-24)

Part 2: How to Use the TI-83 Graphing Calculator (GC-numbered pages)

• Introduction to Your TI-83 Graphing Calculator (GC-1)
• Entering Functions for Graphing (GC-2)
• Using the "Set-Up" Program: FACSU (GC-4)
• Running a Program Stored in the Calculator (GC-5)
• Transferring Programs Using "Memory Backup" (GC-6)
• Passing Programs Between Calculators (GC-7)
• Displaying Results in Fractional Form (GC-8)
• Finding the Distance Between Two Points (GC-10)
• Finding the Midpoint Between Two Points (GC-11)
• Solving Quadratic Equations (GC-12)
• Evaluating Trigonometric Functions (GC-13)
• Displaying the Six Basic Trig Functions (GC-15)
• Finding the Six Inverse Trig Functions (GC-16)
• Graphing the Six Basic Trig Functions (GC-17)
• Graphing the Six Inverse Trig Functions (GC-18)
• Using the "Unit Circle" to Demo Sine and Cosine (GC-19)
• Solving Trigonometric Equations Graphically (GC-20)
• Graphing Polar Equations (in degree mode) (GC-21)
• Changing the Range of Theta in Polar Graphing (GC-22)
• Graphing Parametric Equations (GC-23)

Part 3: Applications from the Biological Sciences (A-numbered pages)

• Applications 1 (Chapters 2 and 3) (A-1)
• Applications 2 (Chapters 4 and 5) (A-4)
• Applications 3 (Chapters 6 and 7) (A-8)

• Applications 1 - 3 (A-13)
• References for Applications 1 - 3 (A-19)

Part 4: Learning Assessment Measures (LAMS) (LAM-numbered pages)

• Learning Assessment Measure 1 (LAM1) (LAM-1)
• Learning Assessment Measure 2 (LAM2) (LAM-3)
• Learning Assessment Measure 3 (LAM3) (LAM-5)
• Learning Assessment Measure 4 (LAM4) (LAM-7)
• Learning Assessment Measure 5 (LAM5) (LAM-9)
• Learning Assessment Measure 6 (LAM6) (LAM-11)
• Learning Assessment Measure 7 (LAM7) (LAM-13)
• Learning Assessment Measure 8 (LAM8) (LAM-15)
• Learning Assessment Measure 9 (LAM9) (LAM-17)
• Learning Assessment Measure 10 (LAM10) (LAM-19)