Small angle approximation: Difference between revisions
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imported>Johan Förberg (New page: {{subpages}} The '''Small angle approximation''' is a rule that says that for small angles, the trigonometric functions sine and tangent are approximately equal to the angle. This appr...) |
imported>Boris Tsirelson (link) |
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{{subpages}} | {{subpages}} | ||
The '''Small angle approximation''' is a rule that says that for small angles, the [[trigonometric | The '''Small angle approximation''' is a rule that says that for small angles, the [[trigonometric function]]s sine and tangent are approximately equal to the angle. This approximation is relevant only when angles are measured in [[radians]]. Of course, the equality is not exact; only when the angle is zero are the three truly equal. In symbolic terms: | ||
<math> \theta \approx \sin \theta \approx \tan \theta </math> | <math> \theta \approx \sin \theta \approx \tan \theta </math> | ||
Revision as of 01:09, 13 October 2010
The Small angle approximation is a rule that says that for small angles, the trigonometric functions sine and tangent are approximately equal to the angle. This approximation is relevant only when angles are measured in radians. Of course, the equality is not exact; only when the angle is zero are the three truly equal. In symbolic terms:
