Trigonometry via Mobile Device
Trigonometry by Android device.Copyright 2014 Scott Burns, College of Information Science & Technology, University of Nebraska-Omaha
Students investigate the relationships between angles and side lengths in right triangles with the help of materials found in the classroom and a mobile device. Using all or part of a meter stick or dowel and text books or other supplies, students build right triangles and measure the angles using a clinometer application on an Android® (phone or tablet) or iOS® device (iPhone® or iPad®). Then they are challenged to create a triangle with a given side length and one angle. The electronic device is used to measure the accuracy of their constructions.
Engineers must be able to calculate the sizes of extremely large or distant objects, including bridges and skyscrapers. The application of trigonometry enables them to do this without directly measuring distances, angles and other dimensions. Trigonometry has other applications related to periodic motion. Computer engineers use the periodic motion and trigonometry to model clock times, energy transfers and data rates.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Use a clinometer to measure and explore the angles in right triangles.
- Use trigonometry to find the sides of a triangle given another side and angle.