Definition
The branch of mathematics dealing with the relationships between the sides and angles of triangles, particularly right triangles, using ratios known as sine, cosine, and tangent.
Plain English
Math that uses triangles to figure out distances, angles, and forces when you only know some of the measurements.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation maintenance when checking angles, measuring distances, reading diagrams, or following calculations in a maintenance manual.
Derivation
From the Greek 'trigonon' meaning triangle and 'metron' meaning measure -- literally 'triangle measurement.' That origin captures exactly what the subject does: it measures triangles.
Why Pilots Care
Maintenance technicians use trigonometry to calculate angles for control rigging, lay out sheet metal repairs, and resolve forces acting on aircraft structures. Getting these calculations right is the difference between a sound repair and a structural failure.
Analogy
It is like using a ladder against a wall: if you know the ladder length and the angle it makes with the ground, trigonometry can help find how high up the wall it reaches.
Grounding Statement
In aviation, trigonometry turns known angles and lengths into a missing measurement that can be used for a real aircraft task.
Example Sentence 1
The technician used trigonometry to calculate the correct angle for the bend in the replacement skin panel.
Example Sentence 2
Trigonometry helped calculate the distance across the ramp from two known points.