23 Trigonometry in the Real World
Trigonometry can be used to determine distances by measuring angles. In some cases, the angles are extremely small, requiring precision observational devices. In other cases, angle measurement is less critical, and you can measure or estimate the distances more easily. Trigonometry can also be used to figure out angles, such as headings or bearings, based on known or measured distances between objects.
PARALLAX
When you want to measure distances using trigonometry, you can rely on the fact that rays of light travel in straight lines. This is a “gospel truth” in surveying and basic astronomy. There are exceptions to this rule, but they are of concern only in relativistic astronomy, physics, and cosmology. ...

Get Mastering Technical Mathematics, Third Edition, 3rd Edition now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.