Trigonometry is the branch of mathematics that deals with the study of angles and their numerical calculations. Calculators come in handy while solving trigonometric functions because of their in-built sin, cos, and tan functions. However, if you want to be a math wizard and exercise your brain, you can do this simple math without a calculator easily.
Before learning how to challenge yourself with interesting trigonometry exercises, let’s understand its basics.
There are three sub-branches of trigonometry:
Plane Trigonometry deals with the two-dimensional plane of a triangle. It states that when enough sides and angles of triangles are known, the remaining can be calculated easily using trigonometric functions.Â
The two important laws mathematicians use to find the unknown sides and angles of the triangle are the law of sines and the law of cosines. To maintain consistency, the angles of the triangles are named A, B, and C; whereas, the sides of the triangle are called a, b, and c.
Spherical Trigonometry involves the study of spherical triangles, formed due to the intersection of three big circle arcs on the surface of the sphere. Spherical triangles are different from planar ones because the sum of their angles exceeds the sum of angles in a flat triangle.Â
Functions of spherical triangles include the angles (A, B, and C) sides (a, b, and c), and the dihedral angles (α, β, and γ).
A list of common spherical trigonometry formulas is given below:
In a right-angled triangle, we have the following three sides:
Perpendicular— the vertical side beside the right angle i.e., a.
Hypotenuse — the longest side opposite to the right angle i.e., c.
Base — The adjacent side to the angle θ i.e., b.
