Mathematics is a subject that is vital for gaining a better perspective on events that occur in the natural world. A keen aptitude for maths improves critical thinking and promotes problem- solving abilities.

One specific area of mathematical and geometrical reasoning is trigonometry which studies the properties of triangles. Now it's true that triangles are one of the simplest geometrical figures, yet they have varied applications. The primary application of trigonometry is found in scientific studies where precise distances need to be measured.

Particularly: o satellite systems and astronomy, o naval and aviation industries, o oceanography, land surveying, o cartography (creation of maps).

Did you know that trigonometry is an arty science that can be used to measure the heights of mountains? So why would we want to measure the heights of mountains? Because this information is of great value for aircraft designing and navigation.

Computer generation of complex imagery is made possible by the use of geometrical patterns that define the precise location and colour of each of the infinite points on the image to be created. The image is made detailed and accurate by a technique referred to as triangulation. The edges of the triangles that form the image make a wire frame of the object to be created and contribute to a realistic picture.

The next time you go in for an advanced scanning procedure, be sure to check out how the sine and cosine functions are used in medical techniques such as CAT and MRI scanning, in detecting tumours and even in laser treatments.

The beautifully curved surfaces in steel, stone and glass would be impossible if not for the immense potential of this science. So how does this actually work? In fact the flat panels and straight planes in the building are put at an angle to one another and the illusion is that of a curved surface.

This means that sound engineers and technologists who research advances in computer music have to relate to the basic laws of trigonometry. Sound travels in waves so the sine and cosine functions are useful in developing computer music. A computer cannot obviously listen to and understand music as we do, so computers represent it mathematically by its constituent sound waves.