Heavenly mathematics the forgotten art of spherical trigonometry /
Van Brummelen, Glen,
Heavenly mathematics the forgotten art of spherical trigonometry / Forgotten art of spherical trigonometry Glen Van Brummelen. - Princeton, N.J. : Princeton University Press, (c)2013. - 1 online resource (xvi, 192 pages, 8. pages color plates) : illustrations (some color), maps
Includes bibliographies and index.
Heavenly mathematics -- Exploring the sphere -- The ancient approach -- The medieval approach -- The modern approach: right-angled triangles -- The modern approach: oblique triangles -- Areas, angles, and polyhedra -- Stereographic projection -- Navigation.
Spherical trigonometry was at the heart of astronomy and ocean-going navigation for two millennia. The discipline was a mainstay of mathematics education for centuries, and it was a standard subject in high schools until the 1950s. Today, however, it is rarely taught. Heavenly Mathematics traces the rich history of this forgotten art, revealing how the cultures of classical Greece, medieval Islam, and the modern West used spherical trigonometry to chart the heavens and the Earth. Glen Van Brummelen explores this exquisite branch of mathematics and its role in ancient astronomy, geography, and cartography; Islamic religious rituals; celestial navigation; polyhedra; stereographic projection; and more. He conveys the sheer beauty of spherical trigonometry, providing readers with a new appreciation for its elegant proofs and often surprising conclusions.
9781400844807
2012023216
Spherical trigonometry.
Trigonometry.
Spherical trigonometry.
Trigonometry.
Electronic Books.
QA535 / .H438 2013
Heavenly mathematics the forgotten art of spherical trigonometry / Forgotten art of spherical trigonometry Glen Van Brummelen. - Princeton, N.J. : Princeton University Press, (c)2013. - 1 online resource (xvi, 192 pages, 8. pages color plates) : illustrations (some color), maps
Includes bibliographies and index.
Heavenly mathematics -- Exploring the sphere -- The ancient approach -- The medieval approach -- The modern approach: right-angled triangles -- The modern approach: oblique triangles -- Areas, angles, and polyhedra -- Stereographic projection -- Navigation.
Spherical trigonometry was at the heart of astronomy and ocean-going navigation for two millennia. The discipline was a mainstay of mathematics education for centuries, and it was a standard subject in high schools until the 1950s. Today, however, it is rarely taught. Heavenly Mathematics traces the rich history of this forgotten art, revealing how the cultures of classical Greece, medieval Islam, and the modern West used spherical trigonometry to chart the heavens and the Earth. Glen Van Brummelen explores this exquisite branch of mathematics and its role in ancient astronomy, geography, and cartography; Islamic religious rituals; celestial navigation; polyhedra; stereographic projection; and more. He conveys the sheer beauty of spherical trigonometry, providing readers with a new appreciation for its elegant proofs and often surprising conclusions.
9781400844807
2012023216
Spherical trigonometry.
Trigonometry.
Spherical trigonometry.
Trigonometry.
Electronic Books.
QA535 / .H438 2013