# Difference Between Trigonometry and Geometry

## Introduction

Mathematics has various important branches such as algebra, geometry, probability, trigonometry, arithmetic, and lots more. We know that geometry is the study of different shapes, sizes, and positions of different shapes based on the number of sides, angles, and so on. Whereas trigonometry is the subset of geometry that deals with the properties of one of the shapes in geometry called “triangle”. Both trigonometry and geometry seem to be related to each other, but they are not the same.

In this article, let us discuss the difference between geometry and trigonometry with some detailed explanation.

## What are Trigonometry and Geometry?

The branch of mathematics in which the relationship between the angles and the ratios of the sides of the right-angled triangles is studied is known as trigonometry. Ratios used to study these relationships which include, tangent, sine, cosine, secant, cotangent, and cosecant are known as the trigonometric ratios. We use trigonometry in order to find the unknown dimensions of any right-angled triangle by using the formulas and the identities.

The branch of mathematics in which the principles related to the angles, patterns, covered distances, areas, and volumes, is studied is known as geometry. Geometry includes the study of all the concepts related to spatial and visual. Geometry can be classified into three types- euclidean, elliptical, and hyperbolic.

The geometry in which we study the properties of a planar surface and solid figures which are based upon theorems and axioms is known as Euclidean geometry. While the geometry in which does not hold Euclid’s parallel postulates is known as elliptical geometry. The geometry in which we study hyperbolic surfaces is known as hyperbolic geometry.

Let us have a look at the difference between geometry and trigonometry.

### What is  the Difference Between Trigonometry and Geometry?

• Trigonometry

Trigonometry can be considered as a subset of geometry. In modern mathematics, trigonometry plays a huge role. Trigonometry is mostly about studying various properties of triangles, lengths, and angles. However, it also deals with waves and oscillations.

In trigonometry, we mostly study the relationships between the side lengths and angles of a right-angle triangle. There are six trigonometric relations. Three basic ones, named Sine, Cosine, and Tangent, are clubbed together with Secant, Cosecant, and Cotangent.

Let us consider that we have a right-angled triangle. The three sides will be height, base, and hypotenuse respectively. Then we can define the fundamental trigonometric relations as follows:

sin A=(height)/(hypotenuse)

cos A=(base)/(hypotenuse)

tan A=(height)/(base)

Cosec, Sec, and Cot can also be stated as the reciprocal of Sine, Cosine, and Tangent respectively. Trigonometry is not just a study of simple plane figures. It has a branch called spherical trigonometry, which studies triangles in three-dimensional spaces.

• Geometry

Geometry is defined as the study of various sizes, shapes, and properties of vacant spaces of a given number of dimensions such as 2D or 3D. Euclid, the great mathematician, had made a huge contribution to the domain of geometry. Therefore, he is known as the Father of Geometry. Geometry can be categorized into the following -

• Plane geometry,

• Solid geometry, and

• Spherical geometry.

Plane geometry deals with two-dimensional geometric objects such as points, lines, curves, and various plane figures such as circles, triangles, and polygons. Solid geometry studies three-dimensional objects such as various polyhedra, spheres, cubes, prisms, pyramids, and so on. Spherical geometry also studies three-dimensional objects such as spherical triangles and spherical polygons.

Geometry can also be categorized into Euclidean Geometry, the study of flat surfaces, and Riemannian geometry in which the fundamental subject is the study of curved surfaces.

### Trigonometry and Geometry: Difference

 Trigonometry Geometry It is a branch of geometry. It is the main branch of mathematics. Properties of triangles are studied. Properties of figures are studied. It deals with the measurements of angles. It deals with the properties of angles and the sum of angles. It deals with relationships between angles of triangles and their sides. It deals with spatial relationships. Less board as compared to geometry. Broader than trigonometry.

### Solved Examples

• Trigonometry

1. Prove $\frac{\left (\text{1 - sin A} \right )}{\left (\text{1 + sin A} \right )} = \left ( \text{sec A - tan A} \right )^{2}$

Solution- Taking left-hand side and multiplying both the numerator and denominator by (1 - sin A)

$\frac{\left (\text{1 - sin A} \right )}{\left (\text{1 + sin A} \right )} = \frac{\left (\text{1 - sin A }\right )^{2}}{\left ( \text{1 - sin A} \right )-\left ( \text{1 + sin A} \right )}$

Since sin² θ + cos²θ = 1 ⇒ cos²θ -1 = sin²θ

$\frac{\left (\text{1 - sin A} \right )}{\left (\text{1 + sin A} \right )} = \frac{\left ( \text{1 - sin A} \right )^{2}}{\left ( 1 - sin^{2}A \right )}$

$\frac{\left (\text{1 - sin A} \right )}{\left (\text{1 + sin A} \right )} = \left \{ \frac{\text{1 - sin A}}{\text{cos A}} \right \}^{2}$

$\frac{\left (\text{1 - sin A} \right )}{\left (\text{1 + sin A} \right )} = \left ( \frac{1}{\text{cos A}}-\frac{\text{sin A}}{cos A} \right )^{2}$

$\frac{\left (\text{1 - sin A} \right )}{\left (\text{1 + sin A} \right )} = \text{sec A - tan A}^{2}$

Hence proved.

2. Consider that two ships are sailing on the opposite sides of a lighthouse. The angle of elevation of the highest point of the lighthouse 100m high, when observed from the ships, is 30º and 45º respectively. Find the distance between the two ships.

Ans: Construct a triangle ACD where B is a point on AC and BD be the height of the lighthouse and A and C are the positions of the ships. Then,

BD = 100 m, angle BAD = 30°, angle BCD = 45°

tan 30° = BD/BA

or, BA = 100 √3m

tan 45°= BD/BC

or, BC = 100m

Distance between two ships = BA + BC = 100 (1+√3) = 273m.

• Geometry

1. Consider ABCD is a parallelogram such that AB is parallel to DC and DA is parallel to CB. The side AB is of length 20 cm. E is a point between A and B such that AE is 3 cm. F is a point in between  D and C. Find the length of DF such that EF divides the parallelogram into two parts with exactly equal areas.

Ans: Draw the trapezoid.

Let the area of the trapezoid AEFD be A1.

A1 = (1/2) h (AE + DF)

Let ‘h’ be the height of the parallelogram.

Suppose the area of the trapezoid EBCF be A2.

A2 = (1/2) h (EB + FC)

We know,

EB = 20 - 3 = 17 , FC = 20 - DF

We should now substitute EB and FC in A2 = (1/2) h (EB + FC)

A2 = (1/2) X (h) X (17 + 20 - DF)

We need to have two equal areas A1 and A2 for EF to divide the parallelogram,

(1/2) X (h) X (3 + DF) = (1/2) X h X (37 - DF)

On multiplying both sides by 2 and then dividing them by h,

3 + DF = 37 - DF

Solve for DF

2DF = 37 - 3

2DF = 34

DF = 17 cm

### Did You Know?

1. The term “Geometry” is derived from Greek, where “Geo” refers to “Earth” and “metron” means “measure”.

2. The Greek words "trigonon" and "metron" when clubbed together form the term “Trigonometry”. Hipparchus, a Greek mathematician invented trigonometry.

FAQs on Difference Between Trigonometry and Geometry

1. What are some similarities between Trigonometry and Geometry?

Trigonometry is a subset of geometry, therefore, there are some similarities between them. Both trigonometry and geometry depend on distances and angles. They also have three common theorems which include the Pythagorean theorem, the sum of internal angles of a triangle theorem, and similar triangles. We study triangles in both these branches of mathematics.

2. What is the importance of studying Trigonometry?

Trigonometry is one of the most important topics in Mathematics as it leads to the integration of memorization, problem-solving skills, and conceptual understanding. Students can also have a better understanding of the world after studying trigonometry as there are many natural structures that resemble triangles. For students aiming to pursue careers in a course around calculating angles, it is very important to have knowledge of trigonometry.

3. What are the uses of Trigonometry?

Trigonometry is an integral part of modern-day mathematics. The applications of trigonometry are spread across various fields such as architecture and surveys, astronomical studies, physics, engineering, and more. In construction, trigonometry is used to the height of the building, the width length, etc.,.

In architecture, trigonometry is used to calculate structural load, roof slopes, ground surfaces, including sun shading and light angles. In physics, trigonometry is used to find the vector components, the mechanics models of various waves and oscillations. Trigonometry is utilized in oceanography to calculate the peak of waves in oceans.

4. What are the uses of Geometry?

Geometry has lots of practical uses in daily life, such as measuring the circumference, area, and volume, when one needs to build something. Geometric shapes also play an integral role in common activities, such as video games and sports. Geometry is instrumental in the field of engineering and architecture.

Art consists of the formation of figures and shapes, a basic understanding of and the two-dimensional and three-dimensional figures which include basic knowledge about spatial concepts. Thus, geometry also has great applications in the field of art and craft. The creation of shapes is a result of the use of geometrical forms like circles, triangles, mandalas, etc.

5. What is meant by Euclidean Geometry?

The study on the basis of the different theorems and axioms of the geometrical shapes and the figures is known as Euclidean geometry. It is considered an axiomatic system since all the theorems in it are derived from a small number of simple axioms. It can also be referred to as plane geometry and it consists of topics like areas, the similarity of the triangle, congruency of triangles, conic sections, regular polygons, and so on.

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