The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics has set ambitious goals for the teaching and learning of mathematics that include preparing students for both the workplace and higher education. While this suggests that it is important for students to develop strong mathematical competencies by the end of high school, there is evidence to indicate…

The method involving properties of complex numbers and polar coordinates is used in deriving the formulas for the sine of the sum of two angles, the tangent of the difference of two angles, and the sine of the double angle. (DT)

A model, easily constructed by students, is used to assist in seeking basic Pythagorean identities used to prove more complex ones. (MNS)

The geometric notions of tangent, secant, and sine are explored. (DT)

Presents a situation in which differential calculus is used with inverse trigonometric tangent functions to maximize an angle measure. A negative distance measure ultimately results, requiring a reconsideration of assumptions inherent in the initial figure. (Author/MKR)

Illustrates, categorizes, and analyzes typical mathematical errors in algebra and trigonometry made by high school and lower division college students. (16 references) (Author/MKR)

Examples of the presentation and solution of variations on a common projectile trajectory problem are presented. (BB)

Algebraic and transcendental curves are discussed, with attention focused on computing the area of some special regions bounded by the curves. (MNS)

Outlines two experiments by which several different mathematical topics can be integrated into the unifying theme of oscillating pendulums, as part of a secondary school Algebra II and Trigonometry class. (CS)

This module, designed for use at the high school level as a four- to eight-hour topic, includes: the geometry of a sphere, the coordinate system used to describe points on the earth's surface, parallel and meridian sailing, and the solution of right spherical triangles. (Author/MK)

Integrates the sum, difference, and multiple angle identities into an examination of Ptolemy's Theorem, which states that the sum of the products of the lengths of the opposite sides of a quadrilateral inscribed in a circle is equal to the product of the lengths of the diagonals. (MDH)