/Curriculum/Core NumPy•Math Operations

16. Trigonometric FunctionsBeginner

Calculate sin, cos, tan, inverse trig, and convert between degrees and radians.

10 mins

Concept Overview

NumPy provides full trigonometric capabilities (`np.sin`, `np.cos`, `np.tan`, `np.arcsin`, etc.) that expect angles expressed in radians.

Hardware Mental Model

Trigonometric functions in NumPy compute the entire sine wave for 10,000 points simultaneously, enabling instant signal processing.

Key Concepts (1)Click snippet to load in editor

NumPy trig functions take inputs in radians. Use `np.radians(degrees)` or `np.degrees(radians)` to convert.

s = np.sin(np.radians(90))

Avoid these frequent beginner syntax and logic traps

❌ Incorrect:np.sin(90) # Evaluates 90 radians instead of 90 degrees

✓ Correct:np.sin(np.radians(90))

Passing raw degrees into `np.sin()` assumes radians, resulting in incorrect calculations.

Pro Tip: Always convert degrees using `np.radians(deg)` before calling trig functions.

Core takeaway points from this topic

`np.sin()`, `np.cos()`, `np.tan()`: Compute trigonometric ratios (inputs in radians).

`np.radians(deg)`: Converts degrees to radians.

`np.degrees(rad)`: Converts radians to degrees.

`np.pi`: Mathematical constant $\pi$.

Editor: 16. Trigonometric Functions

Python ● Ready

Presets:

Initializing Python IDE...

Ctrl+Enterto execute

Execution Result

Click "RUN CODE" to execute and inspect array state

Hands-on Mode

Solve the objective below using NumPy vectorized syntax

Create `arr = np.array([0, np.pi/2])`, compute `np.sin(arr)`, and print.

Expected Output Target:[0. 1.]

Practice Workspace

Python ● Ready

Initializing Python IDE...

Ctrl+Enterto execute

Execution Result

Click "RUN CODE" to execute and inspect array state