Using Trig to Solve for a Missing Side (fixed)

Front

What is the tangent function used for in trigonometry?

Back

The tangent function is used to relate the opposite side to the adjacent side of a right triangle.

Front

If you know the lengths of the two legs of a right triangle, which trigonometric function do you use to find an angle?

Back

You use the tangent function, which is the ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side.

Front

What is the sine function?

Back

The sine function is the ratio of the length of the opposite side to the length of the hypotenuse in a right triangle.

Front

What is the cosine function?

Back

The cosine function is the ratio of the length of the adjacent side to the length of the hypotenuse in a right triangle.

Front

How do you set up a sine ratio to find a missing side?

Back

To set up a sine ratio, use the formula: sin(angle) = opposite/hypotenuse.

Front

How do you set up a cosine ratio to find a missing side?

Back

To set up a cosine ratio, use the formula: cos(angle) = adjacent/hypotenuse.

Front

How do you set up a tangent ratio to find a missing side?

Back

To set up a tangent ratio, use the formula: tan(angle) = opposite/adjacent.

Front

What is the Pythagorean theorem?

Back

The Pythagorean theorem states that in a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides: a² + b² = c².

Front

If sin(33) = x/14, how do you solve for x?

Back

Multiply both sides by 14: x = 14 * sin(33).

Front

If cos(33) = 14/x, how do you solve for x?

Back

Rearrange to find x: x = 14/cos(33).