Education Technology


NUMB3RS - Season 1 - "Counterfeit Reality" - Let's Add Some Trig

Activity Overview

When Charlie explains how to crack a counterfeiting ring, he talks about the intricate engraving used in banknotes, called guilloche. He explains that this is "created by the addition and multiplication of nested sine waves."
Students will see what it means to combine trigonometric functions using addition and multiplication.

Before the Activity

Download the attached PDF and look over the Teacher Page.

During the Activity

Discuss the materials from the Student Page with your class.

After the Activity

Encourage students to explore web sites and questions from the Extensions Page.