Matt Parker, the 'Love Triangle' author, discusses the importance and practical applications of trigonometry in GPS, architecture, and special effects. He campaigns for geometrically accurate street signs and footballs, showcasing the versatility of trigonometry in everyday systems.
Trigonometry is essential for GPS, architecture, and special effects in movies.
Campaign to rectify geometric inaccuracies in UK street signs using trigonometry humorously.
Deep dives
The Significance of Trigonometry in Real-life Applications
Trigonometry, often viewed as a tedious subject in mathematics, plays a crucial role in various real-world scenarios. From determining angles for legal disputes, such as a lawsuit involving a hot air balloon and a pig farm, to enabling GPS technology and intricate architectural designs like the British Museum's glass roof, trigonometry proves its practicality. Even video game graphics and film CGI rely on triangle meshes, showcasing the ubiquitous presence of trigonometry in everyday life.
Challenges in Geometrically Impossible Scenarios
The podcast highlight's the host's persistent campaign to rectify geometric inaccuracies in UK street signs depicting soccer balls. Despite the mathematically impossible design of these signs, which erroneously feature hexagons in place of pentagons, efforts have been made to create a physical football mirroring the flawed street sign. While the custom-made ball mimics the sign's appearance from specific angles, its unconventional shape poses practical challenges and may not be suitable for actual gameplay. The humorous yet determined campaign aims to draw attention to the inaccuracies and advocate for geometric precision in everyday symbols and objects.
You might have found it boring in school maths classes, but Matt Parker thinks we should all learn to love trigonometry.
The ‘Love Triangle’ author talks to Tim Harford about the maths used in GPS, architecture and special effects.
Presenter: Tim Harford
Producer: Debbie Richford
Series Producer: Tom Colls
Production Co-ordinator: Brenda Brown
Sound Mix: Nigel Appleton
Editor: Richard Vadon
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