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Trigonometry Redefined without Sines And Cosines

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the numbers-and-stuff dept.

Spy der Mann writes "Dr. Norman Wildberger, of the South Wales University, has redefined trigonometry without the use of sines, cosines, or tangents. In his book about Rational Trigonometry (sample PDF chapter), he explains that by replacing distance and angles with new concepts: quadrance, and spread, one can express trigonometric problems with simple algebra and fractional numbers. Is this the beginning of a new era for math?"

6 of 966 comments (clear)

  1. No sines and cosines? by Joey+Patterson · · Score: 5, Funny

    Perhaps Dr. Wildberger is trying to take geometry off on a weird tangent.

    1. Re:No sines and cosines? by Darth_Burrito · · Score: 5, Funny

      Well, when Dr. Wilberger explained his great idea to his close circle of friends. They were all in a chord.

    2. Re:No sines and cosines? by Darth_Burrito · · Score: 4, Funny

      After spending several hours trying to explain his theorem to his wife, he determined secant understand it. Ok, I'm stretching....

    3. Re:No sines and cosines? by biryokumaru · · Score: 4, Funny

      A mathematician was trying to explain something to someone who isn't a mathematician? Of cosecant!

      --
      When you're afraid to download music illegally in your own home, then the terrorists have won!
    4. Re:No sines and cosines? by shokk · · Score: 4, Funny

      He even has the positive testimonial of Barbie, who now claims "math is easy."

      --
      "Beware of he who would deny you access to information, for in his heart, he dreams himself your master."
  2. Figures. by Musteval · · Score: 5, Funny

    He does this the year after I take Algebra II/Trig. Bastard.

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    Note to mods: I'm probably being sarcastic.