- Define/Describe trigonometry
- Definition: The branch of mathematics that deals with the relationships between the sides and the angles of triangles and the calculations based on them, particularly the trigonometric functions.
- It is an essential in many branches in science and technology. A branch of trigonometry called spherical trigonometry studies the use of spheres, it is important in astronomy and navigation
- Describe some of the early uses? Why was it invented?
- Ancient egyptians lacked the concept of angle measures, but they still studied ratios of triangles. By the 10th century, Islamic Mathematicians were already using the six trigonometric functions, and using them to solve spherical functions
- It was invented for an easier solution to solve spheres, and navigation was needed back then, so trigonometry was also used to make maps.
- Describe a current use of trigonometry
- One way it is being used is in astronomy, to find the distance to nearby stars. Another way is in Geography, to measure distances between landmarks, and it is also used in satellite navigation systems.
- Find the height of two objects outside. Explain your work.
- My Car, height up to eye 69 In. = 15.9 Inches + 69 In.
- 84.9 In.
- Height of pole, height up to Cy's eye 64 In. = 43 In. + 64 In.
- 21 In.
Sources:
http://www.answers.com/topic/trigonometry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trigonometry
