1.

0 INTRODUCTION

Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that studies relationships involving lengths

and angles of triangles. The field emerged in the Hellenistic world during the 3rd century BC
from applications of geometry to astronomical studies.

Trigonometry is most simply associated with planar right-angle triangles (each of

which is a two-dimensional triangle with one angle equal to 90 degrees). The applicability to
non-right-angle triangles exists, but, since any non-right-angle triangle (on a flat plane) can
be bisected to create two right-angle triangles, most problems can be reduced to
calculations on right-angle triangles. Thus the majority of applications relate to right-angle
triangles. Trigonometry basics are often taught in schools, either as a separate course or as
a part of a pre-calculus course.
2.0 APPLICATION OF TRIGONOMETRY IN OUR DAILY LIFE

Ending Point (E)

 King Scout from Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Pulau Pinang will be organising a
camp fire and expedition in Taman Negara simultaneously. The aim of this activity is to build
up and consolidate their physical and mental strength, as well as teaching them some
survival skills. This activity is monitored by Senior King Scout and participated by new
members of Junior King Scout.

Diagram 1 shows the actual locations of each station that are set up in Taman
Negara. The locations of each station are being micrified and sorted into papers. After that,
the maps (papers with stations marked on it) and a campus, are provided to each of the
members of King Scout who are taking part. This is because they have to always refer to the
maps as guidance so that they are not lost.

The distance from Starting Point (S) to Campsite (C) is 1.5184km;

The distance from Starting Point to Water Station (W) is 9.3991km;
The distance from Campsite (C) to Ending Point (E) is 6.5385km;
The distance from Water Station (W) to Ending Point (E) is 8.7939km.

As for the angles from one location to one location, it is simplified and shown below:
∠𝑊𝑆𝐶 = 109.5667°;
∠𝑆𝐶𝑊 = 62.2166°;
∠𝑆𝑊𝐶 = 8.2167°;
∠𝑊𝐶𝐸 = 60.0000°;
∠𝑊𝐸𝐶 = 80.0000°;
∠𝐶𝑊𝐸 = 40.0000°;
∠𝑺𝑬𝑪 = 𝟗. 𝟗𝟏𝟔𝟕° .
The area of the Starting Point (S), Campsite (C) and Water Station (W) that from a
triangle is 6.7235km2;

The area of Starting Point (S) directly to Ending Point (E) (shortest distance) and
Campsite (C) is 4.1998 km2.

However, there is some missing information in the maps. Therefore, they have to find
by themselves. As a result, King Scout members have to be vigilant from time to time when
they are exploring the Taman Negara .If they want to travel from Campsite (C) to Water
Station (W)to obtain water supply, how far do they need to walk? If they want to straight
away heading to Ending Point (E) from Starting Point (S), how far they need to walk?
2.1 Explanation and Tips

First of all, we need to read the question and passage again and again in order to
understand the question so that we do not make silly and careless mistakes.

After understanding the question well, we have to imagine that we are one of the
King Scout members so that we can fit ourselves into the real situation. Then, we have to
analyse the questions and the requirement.

Last but not least, we have to plan the solutions, trying to get for the best answer.
However, after getting the answer, we have to justify the answer. If it can be justified, it
means it is the answer for the question.

2.2 Strategy, Solution and Justification

(a) How far do they need to walk from Campsite (C) to Water Station (W) :

Indicate that we have to find for the distance between C and W.

(b) Straight away heading to Ending Point (E) from Starting Point (S), how far they
need to walk? :

Indicate that we have to find the shortest distance between S and E.

 109°34‘
Starting Point (S)
(a)Method 1

Campsite (C)
109.5667°
9.3991km 62.2166°

Water Station (W)

The data is as shown. As a result, we can solve this problem with Sinus Rule.
𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑥 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑦
Sinus Rule is 𝑋
= 𝑌
. If there is an Angle-Side-Angle Triangle, then we can apply

Sinus Rules.

Step 1:
Substitute the information given into Sinus Rule Formula:

𝑆𝑖𝑛 ∠𝑊𝑆𝐶 𝑆𝑖𝑛 ∠𝑆𝐶𝑊

=
𝐶𝑊 𝑆𝑊

Step 2:
Substitute the value of angles and distances given.
𝑆𝑖𝑛 109.5667° sin 62.2166°
=
𝐶𝑊 9.3991

Step 3:
Solve the equation.

𝑆𝑖𝑛 109.5667°
𝐶𝑊 =
sin 62.2166°
9.3991

𝐶𝑊 = 10.0104𝑘𝑚

Thus, we find out the distance which is 10.0104km.

(a)Method 2

109°34‘
Starting Point (S)
1.5184km

Campsite (C)
109.5667°
9.3991km

Water Station (W)

The same situation given but different information given can enable us to solve the question
by Cosine Rule. Cosine Rule represented by 𝐴𝐵2 = 𝐴𝐶 2 + 𝐵𝐶 2 − 2(𝐴𝐶)(𝐵𝐶)𝐶𝑜𝑠 𝑐 . The
map shows Side-Side-Angle triangle-shaped locations.

Step 1:
Substitute the information given into Cosine Rule Formula:

𝐶𝑊 2 = 𝑆𝑊 2 + 𝑆𝐶 2 − 2(𝑆𝑊)(𝑆𝐶)𝐶𝑜𝑠 ∠𝑊𝑆𝐶

Step 2:
Substitute the values given.

𝐶𝑊 2 = (1.5184)2 + (9.3991)2 − 2(1.5184)(9.3991) cos 109.5667 °

Step 3:
Solve the equation.
𝐶𝑊 = √(1.5184)2 + (9.3991)2 − 2(1.5184)(9.3991) cos 109.5667 °

𝐶𝑊 = 10.0104𝑘𝑚

In conclusion, distance is found. The distance is 10.0104 km.

 Starting Point (S)
(a)Method 3

9.3991km
Campsite (C)

Area = 6.7235𝑘𝑚2
Water Station (W)

The same situation given but different information given fulfils the conditions for us to utilize
the Concept of Area of Triangle. The Area of Triangle is represented by the
1
formula 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 2
𝑎𝑏 sin 𝑐 . The map shows the side, angle, and the area of coverage by the

three locations ∆SWC.

Step 1:
Substitute the information given into Formula of Area of Triangle:

1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 ∆SWC = (𝑊𝑆)(𝑊𝐶) sin∠ 𝑆𝑊𝐶
2
Step 2:
Substitute the values given.

1
6.7235 = (9.3991)(𝑊𝐶) sin 8.2167°
2

Step 3:
Solve the equation.
6.7235
𝑊𝐶 =
1
2 (9.3991)sin 8.2167°

𝑊𝐶 = 10.0104𝑘𝑚

In conclusion, distance is found. The distance is exactly 10.0104km.

(b)

Ending Point

First and foremost, we have to understand what is meant by shortest distance. By

drawing a line connecting from S to E, we can see clearly how the line of shortest distance
divided the triangle-shaped locations into two parts.
(b)Method 1

We can use again Cosine Rule to solve this question as there are two sides and one angle
given.

Step 1:
Substitute the information given into Cosine Rule Formula:

𝑆𝐸 2 = 𝐶𝑆 2 + 𝐶𝐸 2 − 2(𝐶𝑆) (𝐶𝐸) cos ∠SCE

Step 2:
Substitute the values given.

𝑆𝐸 2 = 1.51842 + 6.53852 − 2(1.5184) (6.5385) cos 122.2166°

Step 3:
Solve the equation.

𝑆𝐸 = √1.51842 + 6.53852 − 2(1.5184) (6.5385) 𝑐𝑜𝑠 122.2166°

= 7.4594

𝑆𝐸 2 = 𝐶𝑆 2 + 𝐶𝐸 2 − 2(𝐶𝑆) (𝐶𝐸) cos ∠𝑆𝐶𝐸

𝑆𝐸 = 7.4594𝑘𝑚
In a nutshell, the shortest distance from Starting Point to Ending Point is 7.4594km.
(b)Method 2

We can solve this problem with Sinus Rule as two angles and one side is provided.
𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑥 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝑦
Sinus Rule is 𝑋
= 𝑌
.

Step 1:
Substitute the information given into Sinus Rule Formula:

𝑆𝑖𝑛∠S𝐶𝐸 𝑆𝑖𝑛∠𝑆𝐸𝐶
=
𝑆𝐸 𝑆𝐶

Step 2:
Substitute the value of angles and distances given.

sin 122.2166° Sin 9.9167°

=
𝑆𝐸 1.5184
Step 3:
Solve the equation.

𝑆𝑖𝑛 122.2166°
𝑆𝐸 =
𝑆𝑖𝑛 9.9167°
1.5184
𝑆𝐸 = 7.4594

In conclusion, we can sure that the shortest distance from Starting Point to Ending Point
is7.4594km.
(b)Method 3

Area = 4.1998𝑘𝑚2

We can use the concept of Area of Triangle to solve the question if area angle is given
Step 1:
Substitute the information given into Formula of Area of Triangle:

1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 ∆SCE = (𝑆𝐸)(𝐸𝐶) sin ∠𝑆𝐸𝐶
2
Step 2:
Substitute the values given.

1
4.1998 = (𝑆𝐸)(6.5385) sin 9.9167°
2

Step 3:
Solve the equation.
4.1998
𝑆𝐸 =
1
(6.5385) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 9.9167°
2

𝑆𝐸 = 7.4594𝑘𝑚

In short, the shortest distance from Starting Point (S) to Ending Point is 7.4594 km.
JUSTIFICATION FOR:

(a)

Method 1

10.0104 9.3991
sin 109.5667
= 𝑠𝑖𝑛∠𝑆𝐶𝑊

8.8563 = 10.0104 sin∠𝑆𝐶𝑊

8.8563
sin∠SCW = 10.0104

∠𝑆𝐶𝑊 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 0.8847

= 62.2166°

Method 2

10.01042 = 9.39912 + 1.51842 – 2(1.5184)(9.3991)cos ∠WSC

100.2081 = 90.6486 − 28.5432 cos ∠WSC
9.5595 = −28.5432 cos ∠WSC
−0.3349 = cos ∠𝑊𝑆𝐶
∠𝑊𝑆𝐶 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠−1 − 0.3349
= 109.5667°

Method 3

1
Area of Triangle ∆SWC = (SW) (WC) sin ∠𝑆𝑊𝐶
2
1
= 2 (9.3991) (10.0104) sin 8.2167

= 6.7235km2
(b)

Method 1

7.45942 = 1.51842 + 6.53852 − 2(1.5184)(6.5385) cos ∠𝑆𝐶𝐸

10.5851= -19.8561 cos∠ SCE
cos∠𝑆𝐶𝐸= -0.5331
∠𝑆𝐶𝐸 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 − 0.5331 = 122.2166°

Method 2

sin 122.2166° sin ∠𝑆𝐸𝐶

=
7.4594 1.5184

7.4594 sin∠S 𝐸𝐶 =1.2846

sin∠S 𝐸𝐶 = 0.1722
∠SEC= 9.9167°

Method 3

1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝑅𝑆 = (1.5184) (6.5385) sin 122.2166°
2
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝑅𝑆 = 4.1998km2
3.0 CONCLUSION

Learning trigonometry helps to develop our critical thinking skills, including problem
solving, logic, patterns, and deductive and inductive reasoning. Many professions, especially
those in science and math, require an extensive knowledge of trigonometry. Even if we don't
go into one of those fields, we will still probably use trigonometry in our simple daily life!

By doing this assignment, we have learn that the trigonometry concepts are very
significant in our daily basis. It helps us a lot in many fields. So, we should practice applying
the trigonometry knowledge frequently to master it perfectly.

Besides that, we also learn on how to relate the concept and knowledge of mathematics
such as area of triangle and the mathematical questions. Furthermore, this assignment helps
us learn to think critically, creatively and improve our problem-solving skills.
REFERENCES

John W. Coburn. (2007). Precalculus. United States of America. The McGraw-Hill

Companies, Inc.

Judith A. Beecher, Judith A. Penna, Marvin L. Bittinger. (2005). Algebra and Trigonometry
Second Edition. United States of America. Pearson Education, Inc.

Trigonometry. (2017). Retrieved on 22 September 2017 from

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trigonometry.