TrigonometryNote from the BSRLM Trigonometry Working Group
For many years trigonometry has been seen as a critical hurdle for those who wish to achieve at GCSE. To understand trigonometry involves orchestrating many concepts which in themselves are known to be hard to understand: angles, ratios, functions for example. This area of mathematics is therefore a rich arena for exploring how such understandings can be coordinated; how teaching might make this meaningful; as well as the nature of trigonometry. |
What critical ideas or resources do you consider when introducing trigonometry in Key Stage 3?
- an article from Edumath (Vol.21, 12/2205) explains the importance of using tables and familiarity of trigonometric ratios before unnecessary and immature use of symbols
- try a simple trigonometric table here (for solving triangles in standard or non-standard orientation); click the 'new' button to randomly generate another triangle
Here is extract from an old textbook.
Note that 'application' of trigonometry is introduced in an early section of the same book (well before formal introduction of trigonometry).