Abstract
TEACHERS of elementary trigonometry may discuss the order in which to introduce the tangent, the cosine, and the sine, and there are substantial and interesting arguments in favour of each as the first to be studied, but there has been general agreement for many years that in a first course the tangent and the sine or cosine should be introduced separately, whether the actual definitions are in terms of right-angled triangles or of co-ordinates. It is typical of the teaching of Messrs. Hughes and Miller that they throw the six circular functions simultaneously at the pupil's head at the very beginning, and this implies, on the kindest interpretation, that the subject has been deferred far beyond the age at which the elements of it can profitably be studied. We need scarcely give other reasons for doubting whether this text-book is suitable for the use for which it is intended. On principle, the inclusion of a chapter on spherical trigonometry is to be commended, and an attractive set of tables is paged independently at the end of the volume. The printing and production are exceptionally good.
Trigonometry, with Tables
Prof.
Howard K.
Hughes
Glen T.
Miller
By. Pp. viii + 190 + 79. (New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.; London: Chapman and Hall, Ltd., 1938.) 7s. 6d. net.
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N., E. Mathematics. Nature 144, 1081 (1939). https://doi.org/10.1038/1441081c0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/1441081c0
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