Ebook Introduction to the Elementary Functions

The trigonometric functions are introduced early, and the gen eral definitions are given at once, instead 'oi those valid only for the acute angle. Thus the connection with the coordinate system is established from the first, and a clearer idea of the meaning of the trigonometric functions is obtained than if the student's atten tion is for some time confined to the case of the acute angle. The applications of the trigonometric functions to the solution of right triangles and problems depending upon them is made without the use of logarithms, as experience shows that the early introduction of logarithms may easily lead to mechanical methods of work.