Trigonometry

Trigonometry (from the Greek trigonon = three angles and metro = measure) is a branch of mathematics dealing with angles, triangles and trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine and tangent. It has some relationship to geometry, though there is disagreement on exactly what that relationship is; for some, trigonometry is just a subtopic of geometry.

Trigonometry today

There are an enormous number of applications of trigonometry. Of particular value is the technique of triangulation which is used in astronomy to measure the distance to nearby stars, in geography to measure distances between landmarks, and in satellite navigation systems. Other fields which make use of trigonometry include astronomy (and hence navigation, on the oceans, in aircraft, and in space), music theory, acoustics, optics, analysis of financial markets, electronics, probability theory, statistics, biology, medical imaging (CAT scans and ultrasound), pharmacy, chemistry, number theory (and hence cryptology), seismology, meteorology, oceanography, many physical sciences, land surveying and geodesy, architecture, phonetics, economics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, computer graphics, cartography, crystallography.

Related Topics:
Applications of trigonometry - Triangulation - Astronomy - Geography - Satellite navigation system - Navigation - Music theory - Acoustics - Optics - Electronics - Probability theory - Statistics - Biology - Medical imaging - CAT scan - Ultrasound - Pharmacy - Chemistry - Number theory - Cryptology - Seismology - Meteorology - Oceanography - Physical science - Surveying - Geodesy - Architecture - Phonetics - Economics - Electrical engineering - Mechanical engineering - Civil engineering - Computer graphics - Cartography - Crystallography

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A modern envisioning of trigonometry - rational trigonometry, involving "spread" and "quadrance" instead of angles and length - has been devised by Dr. Norman Wildberger of the University of New South Wales.

Related Topics:
Rational trigonometry - Norman Wildberger - University of New South Wales

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~