Trigonometry
GENERAL MATHEMETICS
Introduction to Trigonometry
Raiyan Nur Dhruba
1. Introduction to Trigonometry
Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that studies the relationships between the angles and sides of triangles.
The term originates from the Greek words trigonon (triangle) and metron (measure). While its roots lie in solving
geometric problems, trigonometry has evolved into a critical tool for modeling periodic phenomena, analyzing
waveforms, and understanding spatial relationships. Applications span astronomy, physics, engineering, computer
graphics, music theory, and medicine.
2. The Fathers of Trigonometry
Trigonometry’s development is attributed to contributions from multiple cultures and scholars:
• Hipparchus of Nicaea (c. 190–120 BCE): Known as the “Father of Trigonometry,” Hipparchus created the
first table of chords (equivalent to sine functions) to predict solar eclipses and map stars.
• Claudius Ptolemy (2nd century CE): Expanded Hipparchus’ work in Almagest, introducing Ptolemy’s
theorem for cyclic quadrilaterals.
• Aryabhata (476–550 CE): Defined the sine function (jya) and computed its values in his work Aryabhatiya.
• Islamic Golden Age Scholars (8th–15th centuries): Al-Battani refined chord tables, Al-Khwarizmi
developed sine and cosine tables, and Nasir al-Din al-Tusi formalized trigonometry.
• European Renaissance Contributors: Regiomontanus authored De Triangulis Omnimodis, standardizing
plane and spherical trigonometry. Leonhard Euler introduced radians and linked trigonometry to complex
numbers via Euler’s formula.
3. Historical Development
• Ancient Civilizations: Babylonians used base-60 numbering for angular measurements, and Egyptians
applied proto-trigonometric ratios in pyramid construction.
• Classical Greece: Hipparchus and Ptolemy systematized chord tables, while Aristarchus of Samos estimated
Earth-Moon-Sun distances using angular ratios.
• Indian Contributions: Aryabhata and Brahmagupta defined sine, cosine, and interpolation formulas.
• Islamic Golden Age: Scholars refined trigonometric functions into ratios and introduced tangent and secant.
• European Renaissance to Modernity: François Viète derived multiple-angle formulas, Isaac Newton
developed calculus using trigonometric principles, and trigonometry became integral to physics and
engineering.
4. Basics of Trigonometry
Raiyan Nur Dhruba
9 ROCKETS 40
Trigonometry
Angles and Units:
Degrees: A circle has 360°.
Radians: A circle has 2π radians. Conversion formula: 1° = π/180 rad, 1 rad = 180°/π.
Right-Angled Triangles:
Sides: Hypotenuse (longest side), Opposite (side opposite θ), Adjacent (side adjacent to θ).
Primary Functions (SOH-CAH-TOA):
sinθ = Opposite / Hypotenuse
cosθ = Adjacent / Hypotenuse
tanθ = sinθ / cosθ
Reciprocal Functions:
cscθ = 1 / sinθ, secθ = 1 / cosθ, cotθ = 1 / tanθ.
Unit Circle:
Coordinates of any point: (cosθ, sinθ).
Key Angles: 0° (1,0), 90° (0,1), 180° (-1,0), 270° (0,-1).
5. Key Formulae and Identities
Fundamental Identities:
Pythagorean Identity: sin²θ + cos²θ = 1.
Reciprocal Identities:
cscθ = 1 / sinθ, secθ = 1 / cosθ, cotθ = 1 / tanθ.
Quotient Identity: tanθ = sinθ / cosθ.
Angle Sum and Difference Formulas:
sin(A ± B) = sinA cosB ± cosA sinB.
cos(A ± B) = cosA cosB ∓ sinA sinB.
Double-Angle Formulas:
sin2θ = 2sinθ cosθ.
cos2θ = cos²θ − sin²θ.
Half-Angle Formulas:
sin(θ/2) = sqrt((1 − cosθ)/2), cos(θ/2) = sqrt((1 + cosθ)/2).
Law of Sines: a/sinA = b/sinB = c/sinC.
Law of Cosines: c² = a² + b² − 2ab cosC.
Raiyan Nur Dhruba
9 ROCKETS 40
Trigonometry
6. Applications of Trigonometry
• Astronomy: Calculating distances between stars using parallax angles, predicting planetary motion.
• Engineering and Physics: Analyzing forces in bridges, modeling alternating current (AC) circuits.
• Computer Graphics: Rotating 3D objects using rotation matrices.
• Architecture: Designing curved structures (e.g., domes) using trigonometric curves.
• Medicine: Creating 3D models of organs using trigonometric coordinates in MRI scans.
Trigonometry’s universal principles bridge ancient geometry and modern technology, enabling innovations in
science, engineering, and art. From predicting eclipses to rendering video games, its applications are limitless.
Mastery of trigonometry unlocks deeper insights into calculus, physics, and the natural world.
Raiyan Nur Dhruba
9 ROCKETS 40
