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Trigonometry in the Islamic World

In: Episodes in the Mathematics of Medieval Islam

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  • J. L. Berggren

    (Simon Fraser University, Department of Mathematics and Statistics)

Abstract

The branch of elementary mathematics whose origins most clearly lie in astronomy is trigonometry, for there is no trace of this subject until Hellenistic astronomers devised models for the motion of the sun, moon and five known planets which required calculating the values of certain sides and angles of a triangle from other, given, ones. This happened at least as early as the time of Apollonios of Perga in the third century B.C. Astronomers of ancient India also used the Greek models and therefore faced the same mathematical problems, and it is the astronomical handbooks, or commentaries on them, by Greek and Indian authors that furnish most of our record of the early history of trigonometry.

Suggested Citation

  • J. L. Berggren, 1986. "Trigonometry in the Islamic World," Springer Books, in: Episodes in the Mathematics of Medieval Islam, chapter 0, pages 127-156, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-1-4612-4608-4_5
    DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4612-4608-4_5
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