by: Doris Santarone
Right Triangle Trigonometry
Geometer's Sketchpad Activity
This Geometer's Sketchpad activity is intended to use similar triangles (or dilated triangles) to explore the trigonometric functions. (Click here for the student handout.)
Application
There are so many applications of the uses of right triangle trigonometry. Some of my favorite applications involve using trigonometry to measure lengths that are impossible to measure otherwise. Here are two examples:
1) Measuring Trees using Trigonometry
2) How Far Can You Move a Wall (Note: The setup of this experiment is a little complicated. Click here for a very detailed description, including videos and a Powerpoint.)
Extension
When advancing into trigonometry, mathematicians often prefer to measure angles in radians, rather than degrees. This activity helps students to make the connection between these two types of angle measurements. Click here for the handout.