Greenwood press

INTRODUCTION
xi

---

of each section offer opportunities for further exploration of some of these appli-
cations. We offer such a listing here, giving Web references that provide a huge
number of applications.
online sources for further exploration
The Math Forum

Contextual Teaching and Learning in Mathematics at the University of Georgia

British Columbia Institute of Technology Mathematics Department Applications 
to Technology

Micron’s Math in the Workplace 

xii
INTRODUCTION

---

ANGLE
Position, direction, precision, and optimization are some reasons why people
use angles in their daily life. Street intersections are made at angles as close as
possible to 90°, if not greater, so that visibility is easier when turning. It is ben-
eficial for city planners to create additional turns so that there are larger turning
angles for safer traffic. For example, if a car has to make a sharp 60° turn onto
traffic, it would probably be more likely to get into an accident because the turn
is difficult. If you find a nonperpendicular four-way intersection with a stoplight,
it is likely to have a “No Turn on Red” sign for those drivers who would be at
an obtuse angle. It would be easier for the driver if the road were constructed so
that an additional intersection is added so the car can turn once at 150° and again
at 90°.
The use of angles in the design of parking spaces affects how many cars can
park in a lot. Most parking arrangements involve spaces that are perpendicular or
slightly angled to the curb. An advantage to using obtuse-angled spaces is that it
is easier to turn a car at an obtuse angle than at a right angle, so there may be less
accidents in a lot with angled spaces. An advantage to using right-angled spaces
is the opportunity to fit more cars in the parking lot.