Introduction to trigonometry| Py Mm Leelee ‘Trigonometry is the branch of mathematics that deals with the measurement of sides and angles of trian- gles, and their relationship with each other. There are many applications in engineering where knowledge of trigonometry is needed. yyy Mela ie Ld With reference to Fig. 22.1, the side opposite the right angle (i.e. side b) is called the hypotenuse. The theorem of Pythagoras states: ‘In any right-angle triangle, the square on the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares on the other two sides.’ Hence BP =a? +c?Problem 1. In Fig. 22.2, find the length of EF. 2 f=50m St E F ¢ Figure 22.2 Problem 2. Two aircraft leave an airfield at the same time. One travels due north at an average speed of 300 km/h and the other due west at an average speed of 220 km/h. Calculate their distance apart after 4 hours