Trigonometric Identities - Quiz & Card Sort "True or False" (typed solutions)

This activity practices proving and disproving trigonometric identities using

• double - anlge formula
• half – angle formula
• angle - sum and - difference formulas
• sum - to - product formulas
• product - to - sum formulas

The activity aims to stimulate students interest in history of math and physics as well.

Students are given a set of 16 cards each with two statements written on it – one statement concerns a fact about famous mathematicians and physicists, and the other is a trigonometric identity. The statements are both true or they are both false. Thus, students are challenged to find one and the same answer to two different type questions. If they already know the answer to the text statement on a card, then they have a hint – to prove or disprove the relevant to it trigonometric identity. In case students don’t know whether the stated as a fact on the card is true, verifying the identity will help them in searching the right answer. After students prove or disprove the trigonometric identities, they sort the cards into two groups - “TRUE” and “FALSE”. Recording sheets are provided for students to show all work.

Answer keys and FULL TYPED SOLUTIONS (proofs) to the problems are included.

The cards could be used in class practice as a way to check for understanding, a review, cooperative learning, individual practice, partner or group activity, before a quiz on the topic, and more.