Finding the side lengths of a triangle using Trig Ratios

Front

What is the Sine function used for in a right triangle?

Back

The Sine function relates the angle to the ratio of the length of the opposite side to the hypotenuse.

Front

What does SOHCAHTOA stand for?

Back

SOHCAHTOA is a mnemonic to remember the definitions of the sine, cosine, and tangent functions: Sine = Opposite/Hypotenuse, Cosine = Adjacent/Hypotenuse, Tangent = Opposite/Adjacent.

Front

How do you find the length of a side using the Sine function?

Back

To find a side using Sine, use the formula: sin(angle) = opposite/hypotenuse.

Front

What is the Cosine function used for in a right triangle?

Back

The Cosine function relates the angle to the ratio of the length of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse.

Front

How do you find the length of a side using the Cosine function?

Back

To find a side using Cosine, use the formula: cos(angle) = adjacent/hypotenuse.

Front

What is the Tangent function used for in a right triangle?

Back

The Tangent function relates the angle to the ratio of the length of the opposite side to the adjacent side.

Front

How do you find the length of a side using the Tangent function?

Back

To find a side using Tangent, use the formula: tan(angle) = opposite/adjacent.

Front

What is the relationship between the sides of a right triangle and the angles?

Back

The lengths of the sides of a right triangle are proportional to the sine, cosine, and tangent of its angles.

Front

If you know the length of the hypotenuse and an angle, how can you find the opposite side?

Back

Use the Sine function: opposite = hypotenuse * sin(angle).

Front

If you know the length of the adjacent side and an angle, how can you find the opposite side?

Back

Use the Tangent function: opposite = adjacent * tan(angle).