When are we ever going to use Trig?
If you are a mathematics teacher, you have heard this thousands of times. If you are a student, you have asked it. This Webquest is intended to be an enrichment activity for a Pre-Calculus course in which trigonometry is studied. The historical development of the subset of mathematics, trigonometry, will be explored and students will do their own mathematical investigation of trigonometric concepts using online mathematical and multimedia tools. The goal is to place the growth of a branch of mathematics in the historical context that gave rise to it and, hopefully, to develop a deeper appreciation for the creativity in and usefulness of mathematics. You will begin to see that the need for a mathematical explanation preceded the math itself.
Is Mathematics a Discovery or an Invention?
Before you begin consider this question. Jot down your opinion and give three reasons why you believe what you do. At the end of this Webquest you will be asked to write a 800-1000 word argument for your opinion supported by evidence you have gathered throughout this investigation. To help you get started here are some quotes from a website you will visit later.
Discovery"Mathematics exists independent of humans -- it was here before we evolved and will continue on long after we're extinct."
You may register at any time. To share the Livebinder notebook you must use the same e-mail address you register with and I have to send you a code to join.
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Invention"Math is a man-made tool -- an abstraction free of time and space that merely corresponds with the universe."
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