Trigonometry In High School

For years, people debated on what math classes are required for a high school diploma. Each state has its own rules for what is required for a diploma. The four math classes in discussion are Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Trigonometry. Trigonometry is usually the last class that could be required. Although Trigonometry contains useful information, it shouldn’t be required for a diploma because of economic, scientific, and personal reasons. The main reason for teaching math is to apply in the real world. It seems at the least Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry is absolutely necessary for solving the area and sides of similar shapes and the quadratic formula. There doesn’t seem to be much use in solving trigonometric functions. At least knowing sine, cosine, tangent, and the others should be fine. The Pythagorean Theorem is also a necessity.
Geometry is somewhat different than Algebra. In Geometry, you are introduced to the trigonometric functions. In Algebra 2, you are introduced to the quadratic formula. With the exception of trigonometric function equations and matrices, Trigonometry is basically harder Algebra 2 problems. Personally, I love trigonometry. I think it has a lot of useful information. If I had time, I’d love to encode and decode matrices. At my school, however, Trigonometry isn’t required. There are only two Trigonometry classes and most seniors don’t take it. It’s great that my school offers the class, but it doesn’t seem as necessary as the other math