Analytical applications of Trigonometric functions in solving real-world and theoretical problems: A case study of secondary schools in the OR Tambo Coastal District, Eastern Cape

Analytical applications of Trigonometric functions in solving real-world and theoretical problems: A case study of secondary schools in the OR Tambo Coastal District, Eastern Cape

Thabisa Maqoqa

Issue: Vol. 7 No. 8 2026 Article 6 pp. 987 – 1009
DOI : https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.2026786 Published online 29th September 2026.

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ABSTRACT

Trigonometric functions are fundamental in mathematics, with significant theoretical and practical applications. Despite this importance, many secondary school students in rural South Africa struggle to expand their knowledge beyond basic techniques. This study investigates students’ understanding and application of trigonometric functions in the OR Tambo Coastal District of the Eastern Cape Province, focusing on both theoretical comprehension and practical use. Data were collected through questionnaires, and a standardised test was administered to 220 students in five schools. The results were analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, to assess learners’ proficiency in trigonometric concepts and their ability to apply these concepts in theoretical and real-life contexts. This made the analysis more transparent and provided evidence of how the relationship between proficiency and application was assessed. Although most students demonstrated competence in solving standard trigonometric equations, few were able to address real-world problems such as those encountered in surveying, navigation, or wave modelling. The analysis revealed a positive association between conceptual understanding and the ability to solve unfamiliar problems, indicating that knowledge transfer occurs when trigonometric principles are well understood. Nevertheless, a persistent gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application was identified, primarily due to insufficient real-life examples in instruction and limited resources in rural schools. The study recommends increasing emphasis on conceptual teaching, integration of real-world problems, and hands-on practice to improve student outcomes. These findings have implications for curriculum development and teacher training to better prepare students for authentic mathematical challenges.

Keywords: Trigonometric Functions, Applications, Problem Solving, Quantitative Study, OR Tambo Coastal District.

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AUTHOR(S)

Thabisa Maqoqa is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Walter Sisulu University, South Africa. He holds a PhD in Mathematics Education and has extensive experience in mathematics teacher education, curriculum studies, postgraduate supervision and educational research. His research interests include mathematics education, technology-enhanced teaching and learning, artificial intelligence in education, inclusive and culturally responsive pedagogies, blended learning, teacher professional development and educational transformation. He is actively involved in teaching, research, postgraduate supervision and scholarly publication, with a particular interest in improving teaching and learning in resource-constrained and rural educational contexts. His ORCID ID is 0000-0002-9191-3299.

TO CITE ARTICLE

Maqoqa, Thabisa. “Analytical applications of Trigonometric Functions in solving real-world and theoretical problems: A case study of secondary schools in the OR Tambo Coastal District, Eastern Cape.” Journal of Education and Learning Technology 7, no.8 (2026): 987 – 1009. https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.2026786