Math Made Easy: Real-world applications of Trigonometry you never noticed

A lot of people question the reason why we study different Math concepts in school if we don’t use them in our daily lives. But this is a myth. We use Math daily. For instance, arithmetic helps in budgeting and managing finances, such as calculating savings or interest. Geometry is used in home decoration and construction to determine space layout and material measurements. Statistics play a role in making informed decisions based on trends from data, like average temperatures for planning activities.

Algebra helps in solving problems, such as determining the right quantities of ingredients needed for a recipe based on the number of servings. Trigonometry, a branch of mathematics dealing with the relationships between angles and sides of triangles, is used in various practical ways in everyday life. Math not only aids in practical tasks but also enhances problem-solving and analytical thinking skills. For instance: Visual artists and designers often use trigonometry to achieve proper perspective in their work, creating a sense of depth and spatial relationships in more complex designs.

But how does a layperson use the concepts of Trigonometry in daily life? While people may not necessarily use the formulas and calculations of Trigonometry as often as professionals in certain fields, the concepts still subtly influence daily activities.

According to Meera Aggarwal, Associate Professor, and HoD-Mathematics, Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA) in Jalandhar, Trigonometry plays a significant role in various aspects of daily life and professional fields like engineering, architecture, and design.

 “It helps in navigation and route planning. For example, when driving, understanding concepts like angles, distances, and directions can help you navigate efficiently. Parallel driving often involves understanding angles to maintain parallel alignment with other vehicles or objects,” Aggarwal explained

Let us take an example. Almost all of us drive — men and women. Turning a vehicle involves subtle calculations of angles, especially when determining how sharply to turn the steering wheel to navigate curves or make turns safely. Similarly, parking — parallel parking— in tight spaces requires a good sense of angle estimation. Here’s how:

When a driver approaches a parking space, they need to estimate if the space is sufficient for their car. Once they decide to park, the process involves careful maneuvering and angle estimation:

Positioning the Car: The driver aligns their car parallel to the car parked in front of the open space, leaving about two feet of lateral space between the two vehicles.

Backing In: The driver reverses slowly and starts turning the steering wheel at a specific point. The angle at which the steering wheel is turned will determine the trajectory of the car into space. This is where the concept of angle becomes crucial — the sharper the angle of the wheels, the tighter the arc of the car’s turn. The driver must estimate the correct angle based on the size of the parking space and the turning capabilities of the car.

Adjusting the Position: As the car slides into the space, the driver adjusts the steering wheel to change the angle of the wheels, ensuring the car is aligned parallel to the curb. This often requires minor adjustments to the angle to fit perfectly without hitting the curb or the cars in front or behind.

Final Alignment: Once the car is in the space, further adjustments might be needed, straightening the car and ensuring it is well-positioned within the lines of the parking spot.

 “Trigonometry serves as a fundamental tool for designers across various disciplines helping them to create aesthetically pleasing and functional designs, and bring their creative visions to life,” the educator shared.

Architects and interior designers use trigonometry to design staircases, ramps, and other architectural elements with precise angles and dimensions, to determine the orientation of buildings for optimal sunlight exposure and energy efficiency.

“Similarly, digital designers and animators use it for modeling and animating 3D objects and characters, creating realistic lighting and shading effects using principles of light and shadow,  and designing complex motion paths and trajectories for animations and visual effects,” the associate professor said in conclusion.