Trigonometry History and Development 3

Question 1

Which Indian astronomer's work 'Brahmasphutasiddhanta' (628 CE) contributed to trigonometry by refining sine tables and introducing the concept of zero?

Accepted Answer

Brahmagupta

Answer

Brahmagupta's Brahmasphutasiddhanta advanced sine calculations and formalized arithmetic with zero, supporting trigonometric computation.

Question 2

The transition from chord-based to sine-based trigonometry in the Islamic world was largely catalyzed by translations of which Indian astronomical text?

Accepted Answer

Surya Siddhanta

Answer

The Surya Siddhanta was translated into Arabic and introduced Indian sine-based methods to Islamic mathematicians.

Question 3

Who first defined all six trigonometric functions and showed their relationships in a unified framework during the Renaissance period?

Accepted Answer

Georg Rheticus

Answer

Georg Joachim Rheticus, a student of Copernicus, was the first to define all six trigonometric functions with respect to right triangles rather than arcs.

Question 4

In which century did trigonometry first become formally applied to navigation and surveying as a practical science in Europe?

Accepted Answer

16th century

Answer

During the 16th century, European exploration and the need for accurate navigation charts drove the practical application of trigonometry.

Question 5

Al-Biruni (973–1048 CE) made significant contributions to trigonometry by using it to measure what geographic quantity?

Accepted Answer

The radius of the Earth

Answer

Al-Biruni devised a trigonometric method to calculate the Earth's radius from a single mountain observation, obtaining a remarkably accurate result.

Trigonometry Practice Test

Trigonometry Practice Test

Trigonometry History and Development 3