Mathematics / Year 9 / Measurement and Geometry / Pythagoras and trigonometry

Curriculum content descriptions

Use similarity to investigate the constancy of the sine, cosine and tangent ratios for a given angle in right-angled triangles (ACMMG223)

Elaborations
  • developing understanding of the relationship between the corresponding sides of similar right-angled triangles
General capabilities
  • Numeracy Numeracy
ScOT terms

Trigonometric ratios,  Right angled triangles,  Similarity (Geometry)

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Trigonometry

This is a website designed for both teachers and students, which addresses content on trigonometry from the Australian Curriculum for year 9 students. It contains material on working with the similarity of right-angled triangles, the three basic trigonometric ratios, and solving problems with trigonometry. There are pages ...

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Introduction to trigonometry

These lesson plans guide the teacher on how to introduce trigonometry to students through an investigation of similar triangles.

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reSolve: Rectilinear Polygons

In this sequence of three lessons, students use geometric reasoning to establish relationships between angles in polygons and go on to make generalisations using algebraic expressions. Students explore and enumerate right angles in a series of rectilinear polygons and generalise their findings. They then explore the number ...

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reSolve: Mechanical Linkages: Similar Triangles

This sequence of lessons explores the geometry of similar triangles using two real world objects: ironing boards and pantographs. In the first lesson, students investigate different ironing board leg lengths and pivot positions using similar and congruent triangles. In the second lesson, they use their knowledge of parallelogram ...

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reSolve: Monte Carlo Simulations

This sequence of two lessons explores how statistical techniques that rely on randomly generated data can be used to solve problems. In the first lesson, students compare different methods for calculating the area of an irregular shape, using the context of oil spill maps. They are introduced to the Monte Carlo method for ...

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reSolve: Gradient and Tangent

This sequence of two lessons investigates gradient and angle by applying the tangent ratio to find the angles represented by a road sign or the angle of a street. In the first lesson, students research what a road grade is and determine the actual angle of a road given its grade. They then construct their own road sign ...

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reSolve: Pythagoras' Theorem - Lunch Lap

In this sequence of two lessons, students apply Pythagoras' Theorem to explore a practical problem involving optimising paths to lunch carts. In the first lesson, students investigate the length of a path that touches three sides of a rectangle, starting and finishing at the same point. They model the problem, use Pythagoras' ...

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reSolve: Tree Biomass

In this sequence of two lessons, students investigate how many trees would be required to supply paper for their school for a year. Students use similar triangles, Pythagoras' Theorem and algebra to design and construct a Biltmore stick, used to measure the diameter and height of a tree. They measure trees, calculate their ...

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reSolve: Pythagoras' Theorem - Phone finding

This lesson challenges students to apply Pythagoras' Theorem to explore a practical real-world problem. Students explore technology reliant on mathematical concepts. The lesson is outlined in detail including curriculum links, vocabulary, materials needed, sample answers, discussion points and student resources such as ...

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reSolve: Real World Algebra: Linear Functions

This sequence of two lessons explores real world, algebraic, numeric and graphical representations of linear functions, focussing on the gradient of linear functions. Students use images of everyday objects and inscribe straight lines, then use Geogebra to explore the algebraic representation of their lines. Each lesson ...

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reSolve: Mathematical modelling: The steepest slopes on Baldwin St

In this sequence of three lessons, students measure and represent steepness in multiple ways, connect gradient to tangent, and consider how mathematical information is communicated to real audiences; using the context of Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest residential street. Key learning goals, pedagogical tools and design ...

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Mystery man Pythagoras meets his match

What do you know about Pythagoras? Join Vi Hart as she not only explains his theorem but raises some legends about his dark past! Follow Vi's timeline of famous mathematicians to find out in which century Pythagoras lived. See how Vi shows a proof of his theorem and raises what was a big dilemma for Pythagoras: the irrational ...

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Laptop wrap: Talking trigonometry

In this laptop-friendly resource, students consolidate their understanding of trigonometry by investigating practical applications of the ratios, highlighting the process they used to find a solution.

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Laptop wrap: Parallelendicular

Students construct a series of GeoGebra applets that investigate the parameters gradient and intercepts of straight lines. They reinforce this knowledge with Microsoft Math 3.0. 

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Desmos Graphing Calculator - Google Play app

Plot functions, create tables, add sliders and animate your graphs. Touch points of interest on the graph to show maximums, minimums and points of intersection. Type in an equation and watch the calculator solve the problem.

Interactive

Laptop wrap – a slippery slope

Distance, midpoint and gradient are investigated as students design an Excel spreadsheet and make a Smart Notebook presentation on ski-lifts. Students then contribute to a discussion on the steepest street in the world. 

Interactive

Laptop wrap: Under the surface

In this laptop-friendly resource, students consider the difference between volume and surface area before posing practical problems. They then consider issues relating to unit conversions and similar figures.

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My Five Cents: Why borrowing can cost you more

Think credit cards are basically free money? Gen Fricker will make you think again. Learn how interest rates and fees affect the money you borrow, and why they may be more expensive in the long run. Oh dear! Then test yourself with ASIC MoneySmart's "Things to think about" classroom exercises.  

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MathXplosion, Ep 33: On the grid

Explore graphs, grids and mapping with a focus on reading and writing location data using coordinate geometry. Grids and maps illustrate the concepts of parallel/perpendicular lines (axes or labelled number lines), ordered pairs and intersection points.

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MathXplosion, Ep 50: How to use a tetrahedron to solve the tree problem

How can you place four trees exactly the same distance apart from one other? By making a model! By using miniature trees to make a model of the problem, it becomes clear that a 2D solution is impossible. We learn how objects can help us visualise the problem situation, which in this case requires a 3D solution: a tetrahedron.