Trigonometry For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Introduction

Many of the more practical and exciting accomplishments of early man were performed using trigonometry. Even before trigonometry was formalized into a particular topic to study or used to solve problems, trigonometry helped people to sail across large bodies of water, build gigantic structures, plot out land, and measure heights and distances — even to the stars.

We still use trigonometry for all these reasons and more. If you're going to get your pilot's license, you'll need trigonometry. Trigonometry is also the basis for many courses in mathematics — starting in grade school with geometric shapes and map reading and moving on through calculus. Trig is all over the place.

You can get as deeply into this topic or as little into it as you want, and you'll still come out of it thinking, “Gee, I didn't realize that trigonometry was used to do this! Wasn't that just loads of fun!” Well, maybe I'm pushing it a bit — loads may be a slight exaggeration.

Whether you're pursuing trigonometry so that you can go on in calculus or prepare for architecture or drafting or do that piloting thing, or even if you're just curious, you’ll find what you need here. You can get as technical as you want. You can skip through the stuff you don't need. Just know that you'll be on the same adventure as that early man — you'll just have the advantage of a few more tools.

About This Book

So, what's in it for you? What's in a book on trigonometry that'll ring your bell or strike your fancy ...