The "king of trigonometry" is generally considered to be Hipparchus of Nicaea.
Hipparchus, a Greek astronomer, geographer, and mathematician who lived from approximately 190 to 120 BC, is widely regarded as the founder of trigonometry. While earlier civilizations like the Babylonians and Egyptians made contributions to practical calculations involving angles and sides of triangles, Hipparchus was the first to systematically develop trigonometry as a branch of mathematics.
Here's why Hipparchus is considered the "king":
- Systematic Approach: Hipparchus didn't just solve individual problems; he developed a general method for relating the angles and sides of triangles.
- Chord Tables: He created tables of chords, which are essentially equivalent to sine tables. These tables allowed astronomers to solve various problems related to celestial mechanics. These tables represented a significant advancement in understanding relationships within circles and triangles, essential for both astronomy and early navigation.
- Applications to Astronomy: Hipparchus applied his trigonometric methods to astronomical calculations, making significant advances in predicting the movements of the Sun and Moon. His astronomical models were incredibly influential and used for centuries.
- Precession of the Equinoxes: Although known for trigonometry, he's also famous for his accidental discovery of the precession of the equinoxes, demonstrating his profound observational skills and mathematical abilities. This discovery was only possible due to his meticulous measurements and the sophisticated mathematical framework he developed.
While later mathematicians like Ptolemy and others further developed trigonometry, Hipparchus laid the groundwork and is rightfully credited as its founder, hence, the "king."
