Divine Proportions: Rational Trigonometry to Universal Geometry
N J Wildberger, "Divine Proportions: Rational Trigonometry to Universal Geometry"
2005 | ISBN-10: 097574920X | 320 pages | PDF | 3 MB
2005 | ISBN-10: 097574920X | 320 pages | PDF | 3 MB
This revolutionary book establishes new foundations for trigonometry and Euclidean geometry. It shows how to replace transcendental trig functions with high school arithmetic and algebra to dramatically simplify the subject, increase accuracy in practical problems, and allow metrical geometry to be systematically developed over a general field. This new theory brings together geometry, algebra and number theory and sets out new directions for algebraic geometry, combinatorics, special functions and computer graphics. The treatment is careful and precise, with over one hundred theorems and 170 diagrams, and is meant for a mathematically mature audience. Gifted high school students will find most of the material accessible, although a few chapters require calculus. Applications include surveying and engineering problems, Platonic solids, spherical and cylindrical coordinate systems, and selected physics problems, such as projectile motion and Snell's law. Examples over finite fields are also included.