Trigonometric Delights

by Eli Maor

A fun, entertaining exploration of the ideas and people behind the growth of trigonometry

Trigonometry has a reputation as a dry, difficult branch of mathematics, a glorified form of geometry complicated by tedious computation. In Trigonometric Delights, Eli Maor dispels this view. Rejecting the usual descriptions of sine, cosine, and their trigonometric relatives, he brings the subject to life in a compelling blend of history, biography, and mathematics. From the proto-trigonometry of the Egyptian pyramid builders and the first true trigonometry developed by Greek astronomers, to the epicycles and hypocycles of the toy Spirograph, Maor presents both a survey of the main elements of trigonometry and a unique account of its vital contribution to science and social growth. A tapestry of stories, curiosities, insights, and illustrations, Trigonometric Delights irrevocably changes how we see this essential mathematical discipline.

Genres: Mathematics, Nonfiction, History, Science, Textbooks, Teaching

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice refresher of my basic Trig, mixed with some interesting new concepts and historical backgrounds of several important mathematicians. My only complaint is the formatting of the book: many of the diagrams were placed on a page not viewable to where the explanations took place. This made it harder to follow, and resulted in a tendency to skim rather than study. But still, something I'd like to play more with in my spare time.

[Maurizio Codogno · Rating 4 out of 5]

curiosità trigonometriche

Maor lo dice subito: per lui la trigonometria è bellissima, e non si capacita che oramai non venga più insegnata a scuola, con la flebile scusa che con le calcolatrici non serve più avere sistemi per semplificare i conti da fare. Continuo ad avere dubbi sulla bellezza delle trigonometria, ma sono stati scossi un po' da questo testo, che nella prima parte fa una carrellata storica ma nella seconda mostra come tante altre nozioni matematiche che riteniamo ancora oggi utili hanno una correlazione con la trigonometria. Una chicca secondo me è vederla nella proiezione di Mercatore e scoprire che la sua carta geografica non è una proiezione cilindrica come pensano in tanti...
Nota: la versione elettronica del libro è fondamentalmente un PDF, il che significa che o la leggete su un tablet da 10 pollici o su un PC, ma non certo sul furbofono o sul Kindle.

[Tom Concannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this book was rather “heavy” on the math for a popular level treatise on trigonometry, so I needed to set aside a good chunk of unobstructed time to go through it. After doing so, I was not disappointed! I will use many of the derivations and interesting facts from this book in my future mathematics classes, to not only keep the students on their toes, but to show them how cool trigonometry really is!

[Cristian Sandu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mix of math and history was interesting and the engaging stories from the past really made me understand the evolution of trigonometry. The author's passion really shines within the pages and it was a pleasant reading for me.

[Nada Khaled · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect Trigonometry History

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maor does it again in this fascinating collection of essays on trigonometry. The essays are a combination of history, biographical vignettes, proofs and applications ranging from Pythagoras to map projections to Fourier who avoided geometry like the Plague. Maor presents the basic trigonometric functions, cosine and sine in the historical development of their uses from concrete geometry to more abstract number theory, a far cry from the introduction many had in high school. Despite the attention needed to follow the proofs, this is a delightful book and the proofs are well worth the effort. Highly recommended for math tourists and those interested in intellectual history.

[Jef · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of back story and neat proofs. Really suplamemts a course in trigonometry.

[Andrew Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit disappointing. Too much history and not enough trigonometry.

[E.]

a bit over my head, at least for the level of attention I can give right now. looks good though