Here are some program usage ideas for a writing assignment involving the unit circle symmetries program. The program also makes a great classroom demonstration tool. Of course, you may come up with many of your own ideas on how to use the program. If you would like to share any of these ideas with me or suggestions for improvement, please use the contact page and e-mail me.

Choose from one of the following topics to write about. Feel free to include hand drawn illustrations with your writing. There is no set length, but write enough to give a thorough explanation, but don't write needlessly just to fill up a writing assignment. Probably about one hand written page or a half of typed page will do. Make sure the assignment is written or typed in a neat and logical order that you would be proud to share with others.

    Topic choices:
  1. Use the Unit Circle Symmetries Program and pick 2 of the buttons to experiment with. Write down a general rule (a rule that works no matter where your first point is at) for finding the information about the second point for each button. Explain how you figured out each rule. Use both algebraic symbols and written words in your explanation with illustrations as needed.
  2. Use the Unit Circle Symmetries Program and write a general explanation of how to figure out the information for the second point in any of the cases. Go into depth on the thought process. Include illustrations as needed. Do not include rules in this case since there are too many cases to worry about rules for each one, instead focus on the thought process.
  3. Take a general point on the unit circle. Label the point (a, b). Suppose the standard angle is α where α can be any angle. Tell what the coordinates would be for the point α + 3π/2. Explain your thought process.
  4. Look at the results for a fictitional student. Figure out what the student did wrong and what he/she probably was thinking. Write up an explanation of why the student missed the problem and how the student should rethink the problem to get it correct. Write as if you were writing for the student who is your friend that you want to help.