What Are Some Applications of Trigonometry?

Astronomy

• Trigonometry was born as a complement to astronomy. The foundations of trigonometry allowed astronomers to determine all sorts of information about stellar bodies, including distances, mass, orbits and speed. Trigonometric functions give us the ability to figure out these things through inference since we do not have the capability to simply go measure it. Because astronomical bodies exist on much larger scales than things on earth, mathematics is the only way to deal with them practically. The depth of our knowledge would be much less without trigonometry to help fill in the gaps.

Geography

• Ptolemy used trigonometric tables for navigation as early as the first century. Christopher Columbus kept these on hand during his voyages to the New World for the same purpose. The ability of trigonometry to help us understand positions on a spherical-shaped planet make it critical to modern conveniences such as global navigation and sonar. Surveyors use trigonometric functions when making maps and analyzing areas for construction projects.

Architecture

• There would be no use in an architect sketching out his vision for a structure if it could not be brought into reality. Trigonometry allows architects to figure out measurements and angles so that their blueprints can be created with raw materials. Imagine what the world would be like if carpenters and construction workers simply had to guess until they got a shape or angle correct. Trigonometry takes out the guesswork and makes anything that can be sketched on paper have the possibility of being built.

Physics

• Trigonometry plays a huge role in all varieties of physics. For example, consider that radio, microwave, and electromagnetic waves are all measured and graphed with trigonometric functions such as sine and cosine. Physics concerns itself greatly with three-dimensional space. Mathematics is critical to being able to determine values and help identify the nature of something in the space it exists in. Trigonometry is used so much in physics that it is as prevalent as simple addition and subtraction for the average person.