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The Approximate History of Trigonometry
Description
Praxis the robot and Alan the 鈥渉uman man鈥 attempt to land a plane using their knowledge of trigonometry. Luckily, the plane is full of ancient mathematicians who fill in some history of the development of trig.
Classroom Ideas
Explore the ralationship between angles and ratios and demonstrate that the trig values for different angles indicate the ratios that relates two of the sides. Discuss with students the real world uses of trigonometry touched upon 鈥 planning the angle of a plane鈥檚 flight, using sundials to work out the position of the Sun. Use the example of the Sun to introduce the idea of trig relating to circles, spheres and bearings and how this is applied to astronomy and GPS.
