Table of Contents
What is Trigonometry?
Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with the relationships between the sides and angles of triangles. It is particularly useful in solving problems involving triangles.
Basics of Trigonometry
Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with the relationships between the sides and angles of triangles. In particular, trigonometry is used to calculate the exact length of the sides of a triangle, and to calculate the angles of a triangle given its sides.
The most basic trigonometric function is the sine function, which is used to calculate the length of a side of a triangle given the length of the other two sides and the angle between them. The sine function is defined as the ratio of the length of the side to the length of the hypotenuse. Other trigonometric functions include the cosine function and the tangent function.
Applications of Trigonometry
Trigonometry is used in a variety of different fields, including physics, engineering, and surveying. Some of the specific applications of trigonometry include:
• Trigonometry is used in physics to calculate the motion of objects and to solve problems involving waves and vibrations.
• In engineering, trigonometry is used to calculate the strength of beams and to design bridges and other structures.
• Trigonometry is also used in surveying to measure distances and to calculate the height of objects.
Trigonometry in Aviation
Aviation technology has evolved with many upgradations in the last few years. It has taken into account the speed, direction and distance as well as the speed and direction of the wind. The wind plays a vital role in when and how a flight will travel. This equation can be solved by using trigonometry.
For example, if an aeroplane is travelling at 250 miles per hour, 55° of the north of east and the wind blowing due to south at 19 miles per hour. This calculation will be solved using the trigonometry and find the third side of the triangle that will lead the aircraft in the right direction.
Trigonometry in Criminology
Trigonometry is even used in the investigation of a crime scene. The functions of trigonometry are helpful to calculate a trajectory of a projectile and to estimate the causes of a collision in a car accident. Further, it is used to identify how an object falls or in what angle the gun is shot.
Trigonometry in Marine Biology
Trigonometry is often used by marine biologists for measurements to figure out the depth of sunlight that affects algae to photosynthesis. Using the trigonometric function and mathematical models, marine biologists estimate the size of larger animals like whales and also understand their behaviours.
Trigonometry in Navigation
Trigonometry is used in navigating directions; it estimates in what direction to place the compass to get a straight direction. With the help of a compass and trigonometric functions in navigation, it will be easy to pinpoint a location and also to find distance as well to see the horizon.
Other Uses of Trigonometry
- The calculus is based on trigonometry and algebra
- The fundamental trigonometric functions like sine and cosine are used to describe the sound and light waves
- Trigonometry is used in oceanography to calculate heights of waves and tides in oceans
- It used in the creation of maps
- It is used in satellite systems
Real-Life Applications of Trigonometry
Trigonometry is the study of the relationships between the angles and sides of triangles. It is used in many real-life applications, including navigation, engineering, and surveying.
One real-life application of trigonometry is navigation. Mariners use trigonometry to determine their location on the globe and to plot their course. They use the angles of the sun and stars to calculate their position, and they use trigonometric functions to calculate the distance to their destination.
Another real-life application of trigonometry is engineering. Engineers use trigonometry to design everything from bridges to skyscrapers. They use trigonometric functions to calculate the forces on their structures and to design the shapes that will withstand those forces.
A final real-life application of trigonometry is surveying. Surveyors use trigonometry to measure the distance between two points and to calculate the height of objects. They use trigonometric functions to calculate the angles of incline and to determine the area of a given shape.