Grade
Big Idea
Trigonometry involves using proportional reasoning to solve indirect measurement problems.
Elaboration
- comparisons of relative size or scale instead of numerical difference
- using measurable values to calculate immeasurable values (e.g., calculating the height of a tree using distance from the tree and the angle to the top of the tree)
- Sample questions to support inquiry with students:
- When might we need to measure a length or angle indirectly?
- Why is trigonometry defined in reference to right triangles rather than other types of triangles?
- How can rate of change be connected to trigonometry?
- What is the origin of the names for the trigonometric ratios?
keywords
proportional reasoning
indirect measurement