What is Unit circle: Definition and 106 Discussions

In mathematics, a unit circle is a circle of unit radius—that is, a radius of 1. Frequently, especially in trigonometry, the unit circle is the circle of radius 1 centered at the origin (0, 0) in the Cartesian coordinate system in the Euclidean plane. In topology, it is often denoted as S1 because it is a one-dimensional unit n-sphere.If (x, y) is a point on the unit circle's circumference, then |x| and |y| are the lengths of the legs of a right triangle whose hypotenuse has length 1. Thus, by the Pythagorean theorem, x and y satisfy the equation





x

2


+

y

2


=
1.


{\displaystyle x^{2}+y^{2}=1.}
Since x2 = (−x)2 for all x, and since the reflection of any point on the unit circle about the x- or y-axis is also on the unit circle, the above equation holds for all points (x, y) on the unit circle, not only those in the first quadrant.
The interior of the unit circle is called the open unit disk, while the interior of the unit circle combined with the unit circle itself is called the closed unit disk.
One may also use other notions of "distance" to define other "unit circles", such as the Riemannian circle; see the article on mathematical norms for additional examples.

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  1. T

    Convergence on the unit circle

    Homework Statement Determine the behavior of convergence on the unit circle, ie |z| = 1 of: Ʃ \frac{z^{n}}{n^{2}(1 - z^{n})} Homework Equations Obviously this is divergent then z is a root of unity. The question is what happens when z is not a root of unity. The Attempt at a...
  2. K

    Plot the sequence on the unit circle.

    Consider the sequence (n) n=1 to infinity. Plot the sequence on the unit circle: n modulo 2*pi for n≥1. What do you see? Attempt: I really honestly have no idea what to do. We are learning in class about limit laws and how to prove them, so this question seems to be coming out of nowhere. :(
  3. T

    Complex numbers on unit circle

    Homework Statement Let z1; z2; z3; z4 be four complex numbers on the unit circle (i.e., |z1|=|z2|=|z3|=|z4|=1). It is known that z1+z2+z3+z4=1+i . Find the value of 1/z1 + 1/z2 + 1/z3 + 1/z4 Homework Equations 1/z = barZ/|z|^2 The Attempt at a Solution I've been trying for about a day now...
  4. P

    Understanding the Unit Circle and Trigonometry Functions

    I am learning about the unit circle and I am a bit confused. So, I have my circle drawn with radius 1 and I sketched a right angled triangle inside it so that the hypothenuse has a length of 1. I think what is making me confused is the meaning of sine, cosine and tangent. They are...
  5. Demon117

    Show that the unit circle is connected

    1. Show that S:= {(x,y)an element of R^2 : x^2 + y^2 =1} is connected. 2. Relevant theorems 1. Path-connected implies connected. The Attempt at a Solution Define f: [0,2pi] --> R^2 by f(x) = (cos(x),sin(x)). This map is continuous, and its image is S^1. The interval [0,2pi]...
  6. S

    Why is the Unit Circle Important in Teaching Trigonometry?

    Ok- I am teaching trigonometry to low level students right now and I am trying to figure out why they need to know the unit circle. Are there some interesting things they can learn about by using a unit circle? So far, we pretended it was a magic-barbie-sized-half-underground-ferris-wheel...
  7. P

    Smooth Mapping Between Unit Circle and Curve in R^2?

    Hi, I have been told that in R^2 the unit circle {(x,y) | x^2 + y^2 = 1} is smoothly mappable to the curve {(x,y) | x^4 + y^2 = 1}. Can someone please tell me what this smooth map is between them? I can only think of using the map (x,y) --> (sqrt(x), y) if x is non-negative and (sqrt(-x), y)...
  8. M

    Unit Circle: 360 Degrees = 2(pi) Radians

    The book talks about a unit circle... 360 deg = 2(pi) rad if it wasnt a unit circle... say r = 4 would it then be 360 deg = 8(pi) rad?
  9. R

    Show that M(z) maps the unit circle to itself.

    Homework Statement consider the family of complex mappings: z -> Ma(z) = (z-a)/(áz-1) (a constant) (á is complex conjugate of a) Show that Ma(z) maps the unit circle to itself.Homework Equations the solution should look something like this i guess: Ma(ei*alpha) = ei*alpha The Attempt at a...
  10. A

    Probability functions in a unit circle

    Homework Statement Choose a point in the unit axis, say x.Let Y be the distance of that point and the point where thε perpendicular line crosses the unit circle. Find the density and cumulative functions of Y. Homework Equations Basic trigonometry i guess. The Attempt at a Solution...
  11. C

    Unit Circle Solutions for Various Angles

    Does anyone know the (x,y) solutions on the unit circle for 15, 75, 105, 165, 195, 255, 285, or 345 degrees?
  12. J

    Memorizing the Unit Circle: Tips & Tricks

    I am having a real tough time memorizing the unit circle and it's values. What would you suggest to make easier for me to remember the quadrants, square roots, and radians?
  13. K

    Solving the Unit Circle: Calculating Integral Area

    hello there hi everybody just i have been taken my final exam for calculus one CALCULUS I there was one qeustion which i was confouse while i was reading it Set up the intgeral area of unit circle?
  14. A

    All Eigenvalues Lie on the Unit Circle

    Hi everyone Consider a 2x2 partitioned matrix as follow: A = [ B1 B2 ; B3 B4 ] I'm sure that all eigenvalues of A are on the unit circle (i.e., abs (all eig) = 1 ). but, I don't know how to prove it. Is there any theorem?
  15. A

    Area of the region inside the unit circle

    Homework Statement The area in the region inside the unit circle and above the graph of f(x) = x^5 Homework Equations I don't know how to type the equation in here but the area is the integral between two integration points of the higher curve minus the lower curve. The Attempt at a...
  16. E

    How Do You Find Tangent Points on a Unit Circle from an External Point?

    Homework Statement We are given the unit circle and the point (5,2). There are two lines that are tangent to the unit circle and they both intersect at the point (5,2). What are the points where these lines are tangent with the unit circle. Homework Equations Tangent line of a circle at...
  17. E

    How can I use inversion in a circle to simplify a problem?

    Can somebody give me an example whereby I use the inversion with respect to a circle (unit circle or otherwise) and the problem becomes easier. I guess I am asking: how do I make use of this notion. Or a problem that involves inversion, period. Thank you
  18. majormuss

    Do I have memorize the entire Unit circle ?

    Do I have memorize the entire Unit circle ?? Homework Statement I am currently takin a trig class and I was a bit daunted by the Unit Circle and all its special angles. My question is... Do I haveto memorize the entire Unit Circle and its angles?? Will it be given to me during exams(as...
  19. K

    Solving Equations Using the Unit Circle

    Homework Statement Find all solutions to the equation below such that -180° \leq x \leq 90° 2sin2x + sinx = 0Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution 2sin2x + sinx = 0 sinx[2sinx + 1] = 0 sin x = 0 sinx= -1/2 x = {0° + 360°n {-180° + 360°n n\epsilonI
  20. J

    Finding Points on the Unit Circle

    I am currently working on an implementation of a Symbolic Algebra system similar to existing products. In this system, I would like to be able to display the exact symbolic values of trigonometric functions for any given angle in radians. ex: sin(PI/6) = "1/2" My problem stems from...
  21. H

    Unit Circle: Find x Satisfying sin x > cos x

    Homework Statement Find all values of x in the interval [0,2pi] that satisfy the inequality. sin x > cos x Homework Equations Unit circle The Attempt at a Solution pi/3 > x > 7pi/6 Is that correct?
  22. I

    Integrating over unit circle

    Homework Statement Express f(x,y) = 1/sqrt(x^2 + y^2) . (y/sqrt(x^2 + y^2)) .exp(-2sqrt(x^2 + y^2)) in terms of polar coordinates \rho and \varphi then evaluate the integral over a circle of radius 1, centered at the origin. Homework Equations x = \rhocos\varphi y =...
  23. W

    How many equations are there for the unit circle?

    hopefully we all know x^2 + y^2 =1 and x=cost y=sint, t between 0 and 2pi. There's also one with slope; x= (1-t^2)/(1+t^2) y= (2t)/(1+t^2) I was wondering if this counts as a separate one x+iy=e^it, t also between 0 and 2pi or if this is analogous to the trig parameterization...
  24. A

    Proving equivalence classes bijective to the set of points on the unit circle

    Homework Statement De fine a relation on R as follows. Two real numbers x, y are equivalent if x - y \epsilon Z . Show that the set of equivalence classes of this relation is bijective to the set of points on the unit circle. Homework Equations N/A? I don't think there are any special...
  25. S

    Work from the bottom of Unit circle to its top in Polar Coordinates

    Homework Statement Calculate the work W_{A B} done by the force F using Newton's laws (F=ma, etc), when a particle moves from the point A to the point B along the unit circle. The angle is \theta. No friction. How do you define kinetic energy in polar coordinates?Homework Equations...
  26. N

    Unit circle problems (ive wikied and googled)

    Homework Statement sin3x=.966 then x could be equal to (answer in degrees) Homework Equations solving trigonometric equations The Attempt at a Solution sin3x=3sinx 3sinx=.966 sinx=.966/3 sinx=.322 cos^2x + sin^2x=1 (pythagorean theory) cos^2x +.322^2=1 1-.322^2=cos^2x lol i...
  27. G

    Understanding Open Sets and Homeomorphisms on the Unit Circle

    The question I had was to show that if a function is continuous, open and bijective then it is a homeomorphism. At first I said "no" because I thought of the example showing that [0,2pi) is not homeomorphic to the unit circle S. I knew that f(x)=(sinx,cosx) is a continuous bijection whose...
  28. S

    Dx dy where R is the unit circle.

    Given the double integral \int\int_R \sqrt{}x^2+y^2 dx dy where R is the unit circle. We are only given the equation for the unit circle but don't we need more equations so I can change the equations to a single variable and then find the Jacobian so how do I find the Jacobian. How do I find a...
  29. S

    Unit Circle Double Integral: Is 2π/3 the Answer?

    For the double integral \int\int_R sqrt(x^2+y^2) dx dy where R is the unit circle. I got\int_0^\pi\int_1^1 sqrt(r2) r dr dtheta Then after the integration I got an answer of 2pi/3 as my final answer. Is this right. The bottom of the 2nd integral is -1 not 1
  30. U

    Transformation that takes all point on parabola onto unit circle

    Homework Statement Show that the transformation _ __ _ __ | 0 -2 1 || x | | -2 2 0 || y | |_2 -2 1 _||_ 1_| takes all points on parabola y2=x onto the unit circle x2+y2=1 Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I can't find out what to do I just...
  31. N

    Trigonometric functions and the unit circle

    Homework Statement Hi all. Today I had to solve: \cos \theta = -1/2. What I did was to look in a table to find that \theta = 2\pi/3 \quad \text{and}\quad \theta = 4\pi/3. My question is what is the general strategy when I wish to write this as a a function of an integer n? Is there even a...
  32. R

    Points on an unit circle over finite field

    Let x^2_1+x^2_2=1 be an unit circle upon a finite field Z_{p} where p is a prime. Is there any algorithm (other than the brute force algorithm) which can give all the possible solutions (x_1,x_2)\in Z_{p}\times Z_{p} as well as the total number of such solutions? If exists, what is the...
  33. S

    Radian Measure and the Unit Circle

    I need some guidance into understanding Radian Measure and the Unit Circle. This was the topic where I tanked and had to drop the course. I'm going to pick it up again next fall and want to start preparing now. Any help is appreciated. Sean
  34. S

    Line Integral of F(x,y,z) over Unit Circle

    Homework Statement What is the line integral of F(x,y,z) = (xy, x, xyz) over the unit circle c(t) = (cost, sint) t E (0,2pi) ? Homework Equations integral= (f(c(t))*c'(t))dt) The Attempt at a Solution Ok, so I tried solving this like I would any other line integral using the given...
  35. K

    Unit Circle Trigonometric Functions

    Homework Statement I'm trying to do a few problems that ask me to "find the point (x,y) on the unit circle that corresponds to the real number t." Examples of these problems are: t = pi / 4 t = 7pi / 6 t = 4pi / 3 etc etc Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I...
  36. G

    R^2 -> R^2 transformation of unit circle into square.

    I have a unit circle: x^2+y^2 <= 1 And I'm asked to convert it to a square with verticies (0,0),(0,1),(1,0),(1,1). Now obviously I have to do this in polar coordinates, so I've rewritten the equation as: x = cos t y = sin t I'm sort of drawing a blank after setting up these...
  37. A

    Unraveling the Mysteries of the Unit Circle

    [SOLVED] Unit Circle How can I use the unit circle to get the right answer. I understand the 30 60 90 and 45 45 90 triangles, but come to a problem when using this method with cosine. For example cosine(3pi/2) is -[2^(1/2)]/2. Using my method I get the positive. Please explain the methods of...
  38. E

    Proof of Unit Circle: AE = Tan(\theta)

    Homework Statement The problem comes with a diagram but I'll use the wikipedia diagram because it's nice and pretty and I'll just rearrange the letters to suit it. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9d/Circle-trig6.svg Just in case the image doesn't load in the page...
  39. A

    Working Out Trig Ratios for Angles with Large Fractions in the Unit Circle

    Just trying to find a way to work out the trig ratios for angles with large fracetions in the unit circle (e.g. sin(15pi/2) etc..) for angles with smaller fractions like cos(-7pi/4) i can solve easily like this: 7/4 = 1.75 = 45 degree (pi/4) angle in the 1st quadrant (because its negative)...
  40. C

    Domain of y=sqrt(cosx): 1st & 4th Quadrant of Unit Circle

    What would the domain of y = sqrt(cosx) be in mathematical terms. I know that it is all the reals that lie in the first and fourth quadrant of the unit circle, but how would you express that in mathematical terms?
  41. S

    Conformal Mapping (unit circle => ellipse)

    I'd like to map the open unit circle to the open ellipse x/A^2 + y/B^2 = 1. How would I go about doing this? I really have no idea how to go about doing these mappings. I'm working with the text Complex Var. and Applications by Ward and Churchill which has a table of mappings in the back...
  42. A

    How do you use the unit circle to evaluate inverse functions

    Homework Statement a sample problem: arcsin(-1/2) 2. The attempt at a solution do i look at the unit circle and find the y-coordinate or x-coordinate that has -1/2? i did ASTC, and figure that it'd be in either quad 3 or quad 4; to tell you the truth i don't understand how to use...
  43. E

    Understanding the Unit Circle Group

    [SOLVED] unit circle Homework Statement My book contains the following problem: Let U be the multiplication group \{z \in C : |z| = 1\} 1) Let z_0 be in U. Show that U z_0 = \{ z z_0 : z \in U \} is a subgroup of U, and compute U mod U z_0. 2) To what group is U/<-1> isomorphic to...
  44. L

    Trig Unit Circle applications

    Hi all, My math is kinda weak but I'm re-attempting a precalculus course . I was just wondering exactly how the unit circle helps me?? I mean,I can generate it quite easily(from memory,but)...but why not just convert to degrees and enter it into my calculator? Also,finding angles that...
  45. M

    Describing the Motion of a Particle Along a Unit Circle

    Homework Statement Each of the following paths describes the motion of a particle having the same path, namely the unit circle x^2 + y^2 =1. Although the path for each particle is the same, the behavior of each particle is different. For each particle, answer the following questions: i. ...
  46. C

    MATLAB Visualizing a Segment of a Unit Circle

    a = 60*pi/180; a1 = (pi - a)/2; a2 = (pi + a)/2; theta = a1: a/60: a2; rho = ones(size(theta)); rho1 = rho*sin(a1)./sin(theta); polar(theta, rho); hold on; polar(theta, rho1) The above commands will draw a segment of a unit circle which starts from 60^{o} to 120^{o}. I know...
  47. L

    Finding Conditions for Quadratic Equation Roots to be Outside the Unit Circle

    Homework Statement How to find the conditions on the coefficients of a quadratic equation for the roots to be outside the unit circle eg bx^2 + x - 1 = 0 where b is a constant How do we find the condition(s) that b must satisfy such that the roots of the quadratic lie outside the unit circle...
  48. M

    Prove Weighted Unit Circle Ellipse: Inner Product on lR^2

    Prove that the unit circle, for an inner product on lR^2 is defined as the set of all vectors of unit length ||v|| = 1, of the non-standard inner product v_1 w_1-v_1 w_2 - v_2 w_1 + 4 v_2 w_2 is an ellipse. I know that norm squared will be (v_1 w_1-v_1 w_2 - v_2 w_1 + 4 v_2 w_2) (v_1...
  49. T

    How to Establish the Inequality xcosx < sinx < x Using the Unit Circle?

    This was an exam question I had at the end of 2005 in my uni entrance exams. Can you do it? Establish the inequality xcosx < sinx < x where 0<x<pi/2 using the unit circle. is the tex working?
  50. phoenixthoth

    Average dis btwn two points in unit circle

    So I tried actually calculating it and came up with a mess. So then I did the unit interval and got 1/3. So, by analogy, it's 1/3 for the unit circle? Any cute proofs for whatever the correct answer is?
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