Chapter 1
Taking On Trig Technicalities
IN THIS CHAPTER
Identifying angles and their names
Understanding trig speak
Finding trig applications in the basics
How did Columbus find his way across the Atlantic Ocean? How did the Egyptians build the pyramids? How did early astronomers measure the distance to the moon? No, Columbus didn’t follow a yellow brick road. No, the Egyptians didn’t have LEGO instructions. And, no, there isn’t a tape measure long enough to get to the moon. The common answer to all these questions is trigonometry.
Trigonometry is the study of angles and triangles and the wonderful things about them and that you can do with them. For centuries, humans have been able to measure distances that they can’t reach because of the power of this mathematical subject.
Taking Trig for a Ride: What Trig Is
“What’s your angle?” That question isn’t a come-on such as, “What’s your astrological sign?” In trigonometry, you can measure angles in both degrees and radians. You can position the angles into triangles and circles and make them do special things. Actually, angles drive trigonometry. Sure, you have to consider algebra and other math to make it all work. But you can’t ...