Example 2
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Understanding Right-Angled Triangle Ratios
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Today we're going to discuss trigonometric ratios for right-angled triangles. Can anyone tell me what the three primary ratios are?
Is it sine, cosine, and tangent?
Exactly! So, remember the acronym ‘SOH-CAH-TOA’ to recall the relationships: Sin is Opposite over Hypotenuse, Cos is Adjacent over Hypotenuse, and Tan is Opposite over Adjacent.
What does 'adjacent' mean in this context?
Great question! The adjacent side is the one that is next to the angle we're looking at, excluding the hypotenuse. Let's put this into practice with an example.
Using Trigonometric Ratios to Find Sides
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If I have a right triangle where the hypotenuse measures 8 cm and the angle 𝜃 is 30°, how would we find the opposite side?
We can use the sine function!
Right! So, we apply the formula: Opposite = Hypotenuse × sin(𝜃). What do we get?
Opposite = 8 × sin(30°), which is 4 cm.
Excellent! That’s how we determine the length of the sides using our trigonometric ratios.
Finding Angles Using Inverse Functions
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Now, what if we know the opposite side is 5 cm and the adjacent side is 12 cm? How can we find angle 𝜃?
We can use the tangent function's inverse!
Yes! We would calculate this as follows: 𝜃 = tan^(-1)(Opposite/Adjacent). Can someone calculate that?
So, 𝜃 = tan^(-1)(5/12). This gives us approximately 22.6°.
Correct! Understanding these functions not only helps in geometry but also in various applications in physics and engineering.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, we apply trigonometric ratios to solve for unknown sides and angles in right-angled triangles, emphasizing the importance of understanding relationships and calculations between these components.
Detailed
Example 2
In this section, we explore how to utilize trigonometric ratios to solve problems involving right-angled triangles. Trigonometric ratios, specifically sine, cosine, and tangent, enable us to find unknown lengths and angles when certain parameters are provided. These relationships are essential in practical applications across various fields. Understanding how to correctly apply these ratios, along with the use of inverse trigonometric functions, empowers us to navigate different geometrical challenges effectively.
Audio Book
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Solution Steps
Chapter 1 of 1
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Chapter Content
Solution: Hypotenuse = \frac{7 cm}{\cos 45°} = 7 × \sqrt{2} ≈ 9.9 cm.
Detailed Explanation
To compute the hypotenuse, we first calculate \( \cos(45^{ ext{°}})\). The cosine of 45 degrees equals \( \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \) or approximately 0.707. Plugging this value into the rearranged formula gives us:
\[ \text{Hypotenuse} = \frac{7 cm}{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}} \]
This simplifies to:
\[ \text{Hypotenuse} = 7 cm \times \sqrt{2} \]
Approximating \( \sqrt{2} \) as about 1.414, we find that the hypotenuse is approximately 9.9 cm.
Examples & Analogies
Continuing with the hill analogy, once you calculate how tall you would need to climb, you realize that the distance you need to cover to get to the peak (the hypotenuse) ends up being roughly 9.9 cm. This gives you a clear understanding of both the distance across the ground and the total distance you'd need to travel to reach the top of the hill.
Key Concepts
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Trigonometric Ratios: The relationships between the angles and sides of triangles, fundamental for solving triangle-related problems.
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Reciprocal Ratios: Include cosecant, secant, and cotangent, which are ratios derived from the primary trigonometric functions.
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Inverse Functions: Used to compute angles when two side lengths are known in a right triangle.
Examples & Applications
If an angle θ is 45° and the length of the hypotenuse is 10 cm, find the opposite side using sine.
Given a right triangle where the adjacent side is 6 cm and the angle θ is 30°, find the hypotenuse.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
For angle sin, the opposite shines, over hypotenuse it aligns.
Stories
Imagine a right triangle named 'Rick.' Rick loves to measure sides with sine and cosine as his guiding lights.
Memory Tools
Remember 'SOH-CAH-TOA' as a phrase to keep trigonometric ratios at bay!
Acronyms
SOH (Sine), CAH (Cosine), TOA (Tangent) to memorize the ratios we say!
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Trigonometric Ratios
Ratios of the lengths of the sides of a right triangle; includes sine, cosine, and tangent.
- Hypotenuse
The longest side of a right-angled triangle, opposite the right angle.
- Adjacent Side
The side next to the angle θ in a right-angled triangle, excluding the hypotenuse.
- Opposite Side
The side opposite to the angle θ in a right-angled triangle.
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Functions that allow for the calculation of angles from given side lengths.
Reference links
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