1. Module 7

Mathematics 10-3 Module 7 Introduction

Module 7: Trigonometry

 

Module 7 Introduction

 

This photograph is of the cauldron at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images

Imagine the excitement of carrying the Olympic torch! More than 12 000 torchbearers from all parts of Canada carried the flame during the 106-day relay that started in Victoria, British Columbia. The torch route went through all of the territories and provinces of Canada and ended in Vancouver, the host city of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Wayne Gretzky had the honour of lighting the outdoor cauldron—what a spectacular event!

 

Take a close look at that cauldron. The cauldron is made of angles and triangles! Math is everywhere! The Winter Olympics required many new facilities, and these buildings and structures were designed by architects who applied mathematics. One of their mathematical tools is trigonometry.

 

Trigonometry, as you will discover in this module, involves relationships arising from the sides and angles of right triangles.

 

In this module you will explore trigonometry by examining three special ratios. These ratios are the tangent, sine, and cosine. As you study each ratio, you will solve a variety of practical problems. Many of these problems will involve sports, games, the arts, and design—the main emphasis of the Unit 3 Project. In the last lesson you will investigate games and puzzles that involve geometric shapes—this is part and parcel of trigonometry and its applications. That is the shape of what’s to come!

 

In this module you will be further developing your skills as you actively investigate the following question:

  • How can the trigonometric ratios, which are based on side and angle relationships in right triangles, help to solve practical problems?

Save a copy of the Module 7 Glossary in your course folder now.