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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?"

3 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. 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.