Webquests

History of Trigonometry WebQuest

This activity will allow you to study the history of the trigonometric functions. While you may work with a partner during the quest, you must turn in your own set of answers. All answers should be answered using complete sentences and in paragraph form. You should be ready to form a class timeline for the History of Trig on Friday – if not before.

The following sites will be helpful to you in beginning your quest: (These links are on the Webquest page – note the questions have been modified.)

http://www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/history/Indexes/HistoryTopics.html

http://www.maths.tcd.ie/pub/HistMath/People/RBALLhist.html

http://www.britannica.com/search?query=trigonometry&ct=&fuzzy=N

http://math.truman.edu/~thammond/history/Trigonometry.html

http://www.sisweb.com/math/trig/index.htm

http://mathforum.org/library/

You may also find answers in your textbook – if you had one!! – you may use mine, as well as my personal Math History library. In addition, you can search the web for more sites!

Answer the following questions: Use complete sentences. Type answers.

Question 1
There were many mathematicians who contributed to the development of trigonometry. Find three mathematicians from three different centuries and state their contribution. Why was this contribution important?

Question 2
What was the very first recorded step in the development of the trig functions?

Question 3
Give the contribution/trig application that each of the following has been noted for having as part of their mathematical history:

          Arabic, Babylonian, Egyptian, Greek, and Hindu

Question 4
What did Ptolemy contribute to Trig identities?

Question 5
What did you find to be the most interesting fact about the history of trigonometry? Why is it interesting to you?

Question 6
What is the most surprising think you learned when researching this history?

Question 7
Who do you think should be credited with the title "Founder of Trigonometry?" Why?

EXTRA CREDIT:

Give two sites that you found which yielded interesting information about the history of trigonometry.

To be answered after the Timeline is formed in class:

Question 8nswered after the Timeline is formed

 On the time line of the history of trig functions, what do you think is the most important fact?

Question 9

On the time line of the history of trig functions, what do you think is the most obscure fact?