What is the nature and importance of trigonometry?

Answer 1

The nature of trigonometry is in the circle. In turn, that translates into obvious applications for both problems involving closed geometrical figures and problems involving periodicity. Its applications are vast. I cannot imagine people in any technical field advancing without a regular working understanding of trigonometry, its functions and applications.

Answer 2

Trigonometry comes from two Greek words and means, quite literally, 'measuring by threes'. This is in reference to the three sides of a triangle. Actually, trigonometry originated in ancient Egypt where it was first used in surveying to re-establish boundries and ownership of land after the annual Spring floods. It's utility then was that it allowed the surveying of fields to be done far more accurately and much quicker (thereby allowing crops to be planted early enough in the year to insure a good yield).

It is also vital in fields such as mathematics and physics and most other branches of technology. And it is still used extensively in modern surveying.

Doug