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Interactive Unit Circle MicroSim

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About This MicroSim

Drag the point around the unit circle or use the slider to explore how:

  • The x-coordinate of the point equals cos(θ) (green)
  • The y-coordinate of the point equals sin(θ) (red)
  • Both values trace out their respective waves on the right

Lesson Plan

Learning Objective: Students will explain the relationship between angles on the unit circle and the values of sine and cosine, connecting circular motion to the graphs of trig functions.

Key Insight: Sine and cosine aren't just formulas - they're literally the coordinates of a point walking around a circle!