What does trigonometry primarily deal with?

Trigonometry primarily deals with the relationships between the sides and angles of triangles, especially right triangles. The field focuses on defining and calculating the ratios of the lengths of the sides of triangles in relation to their angles, which is fundamental to various applications in mathematics, physics, engineering, and many more disciplines.

In particular, trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine, and tangent are defined based on these relationships, allowing for the analysis of properties and dimensions associated with triangles. By studying these relationships, trigonometry provides tools for solving problems involving angle measurements and side lengths in triangles.

While elements of measurement of circles and shapes are certainly relevant in some contexts within trigonometry (such as the unit circle and various geometric applications), the core focus remains on triangles and their properties. Thus, the study of triangle measurement encompasses the essence of what trigonometry is all about, providing a foundational understanding necessary for more complex mathematical concepts.