Trigonometry For The Self-Learner
Trigonometry For The Self-Learner is a new textbook style, aimed at the motivated reader interested in understanding the subject rather than merely passing tests. This book is a free PDF, with no licence or restrictions on its use. I have provided minimal explanations in the text; however, the book contains approximately 160 problems, each with a fully worked solution. This book favours exploration over explanation.
Most readers seek to learn trigonometry as a prerequisite to calculus and the mathematical sciences. This book also serves adult learners who want to revise trigonometry or motivated year 11 students. It does not suit individuals who struggle with mathematics, who are using this as an introductory text. The text assumes a solid understanding of algebra, including systems of equations and functions.
Page samples below showing typical layout and style.
The key idea behind this book is that learning mathematics is easier when you discover key concepts and ideas yourself rather than having them handed to you. The leftmost book sample illustrates this: You solve questions about the tangent function immediately after encountering its definition. The second sample page presents a fully worked answer, complete with a diagram. All answers receive thorough explanations. The third sample shows the generous hints provided to complete the problems when they seem too hard. In this particular problem, you derive the Law of Sines, instead of having it presented to you. The goal is to guide, rather than test, and never to trick.
In addition to this book, I will discuss a few vaguely mathematical subjects, present the occasional tutorial, share mathematical trivia, and discuss dubious mathematical content I find on the Internet. The blog might be occasionally cranky, in the sense of angry or annoyed, rather than eccentric.