Trigonometry

How to solve

In a right triangle, sine, cosine, and tangent compare a chosen acute angle’s opposite and adjacent sides to the hypotenuse. The labels “opposite” and “adjacent” always refer to that angle, not to fixed sides of the triangle.

Steps

  1. Identify the opposite side, adjacent side, and hypotenuse relative to the given angle.
  2. Apply sin = opp/hyp, cos = adj/hyp, or tan = opp/adj as asked.
  3. Simplify the resulting fraction.

Example

In a right triangle, opposite = 3, adjacent = 4, hypotenuse = 5. Find sin of the angle opposite the side of length 3.

  1. sin = opposite/hypotenuse = 3/5.

Answer: 3/5

How to type answers

  • Enter a simplified fraction like 3/5
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