Trigonometry and Right Triangles
Right Triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem
The Pythagorean Theorem, [latex]{\displaystyle a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2},}[/latex] can be used to find the length of any side of a right triangle.Learning Objectives
Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the length of a side of a right triangleKey Takeaways
Key Points
- The Pythagorean Theorem, [latex]{\displaystyle a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2},}[/latex] is used to find the length of any side of a right triangle.
- In a right triangle, one of the angles has a value of 90 degrees.
- The longest side of a right triangle is called the hypotenuse, and it is the side that is opposite the 90 degree angle.
- If the length of the hypotenuse is labeled [latex]c[/latex], and the lengths of the other sides are labeled [latex]a[/latex] and [latex]b[/latex], the Pythagorean Theorem states that [latex]{\displaystyle a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2}}[/latex].
Key Terms
- legs: The sides adjacent to the right angle in a right triangle.
- right triangle: A [latex]3[/latex]-sided shape where one angle has a value of [latex]90[/latex] degrees
- hypotenuse: The side opposite the right angle of a triangle, and the longest side of a right triangle.
- Pythagorean theorem: The sum of the areas of the two squares on the legs ([latex]a[/latex] and [latex]b[/latex]) is equal to the area of the square on the hypotenuse ([latex]c[/latex]). The formula is [latex]a^2+b^2=c^2[/latex].
Right Triangle
A right angle has a value of 90 degrees ([latex]90^\circ[/latex]). A right triangle is a triangle in which one angle is a right angle. The relation between the sides and angles of a right triangle is the basis for trigonometry. The side opposite the right angle is called the hypotenuse (side [latex]c[/latex] in the figure). The sides adjacent to the right angle are called legs (sides [latex]a[/latex] and [latex]b[/latex]). Side [latex]a[/latex] may be identified as the side adjacent to angle [latex]B[/latex] and opposed to (or opposite) angle [latex]A[/latex]. Side [latex]b[/latex] is the side adjacent to angle [latex]A[/latex] and opposed to angle [latex]B[/latex]. Right triangle: The Pythagorean Theorem can be used to find the value of a missing side length in a right triangle.
The Pythagorean Theorem
The Pythagorean Theorem, also known as Pythagoras' Theorem, is a fundamental relation in Euclidean geometry. It defines the relationship among the three sides of a right triangle. It states that the square of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. The theorem can be written as an equation relating the lengths of the sides [latex]a[/latex], [latex]b[/latex] and [latex]c[/latex], often called the "Pythagorean equation":[1] [latex]{\displaystyle a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2}} [/latex] In this equation, [latex]c[/latex] represents the length of the hypotenuse and [latex]a[/latex] and [latex]b[/latex] the lengths of the triangle's other two sides. Although it is often said that the knowledge of the theorem predates him,[2] the theorem is named after the ancient Greek mathematician Pythagoras (c. 570 – c. 495 BC). He is credited with its first recorded proof. The Pythagorean Theorem: The sum of the areas of the two squares on the legs ([latex]a[/latex] and [latex]b[/latex]) is equal to the area of the square on the hypotenuse ([latex]c[/latex]). The formula is [latex]a^2+b^2=c^2[/latex].
Finding a Missing Side Length
Example 1: A right triangle has a side length of [latex]10[/latex] feet, and a hypotenuse length of [latex]20[/latex] feet. Find the other side length. (round to the nearest tenth of a foot) Substitute [latex]a=10[/latex] and [latex]c=20[/latex] into the Pythagorean Theorem and solve for [latex]b[/latex]. [latex]\displaystyle{ \begin{align} a^{2}+b^{2} &=c^{2} \\ (10)^2+b^2 &=(20)^2 \\ 100+b^2 &=400 \\ b^2 &=300 \\ \sqrt{b^2} &=\sqrt{300} \\ b &=17.3 ~\mathrm{feet} \end{align} }[/latex] Example 2: A right triangle has side lengths [latex]3[/latex] cm and [latex]4[/latex] cm. Find the length of the hypotenuse. Substitute [latex]a=3[/latex] and [latex]b=4[/latex] into the Pythagorean Theorem and solve for [latex]c[/latex]. [latex]\displaystyle{ \begin{align} a^{2}+b^{2} &=c^{2} \\ 3^2+4^2 &=c^2 \\ 9+16 &=c^2 \\ 25 &=c^2\\ c^2 &=25 \\ \sqrt{c^2} &=\sqrt{25} \\ c &=5~\mathrm{cm} \end{align} }[/latex]How Trigonometric Functions Work
Trigonometric functions can be used to solve for missing side lengths in right triangles.Learning Objectives
Recognize how trigonometric functions are used for solving problems about right triangles, and identify their inputs and outputsKey Takeaways
Key Points
- A right triangle has one angle with a value of 90 degrees ([latex]90^{\circ}[/latex])The three trigonometric functions most often used to solve for a missing side of a right triangle are: [latex]\displaystyle{\sin{t}=\frac {opposite}{hypotenuse}}[/latex], [latex]\displaystyle{\cos{t} = \frac {adjacent}{hypotenuse}}[/latex], and [latex]\displaystyle{\tan{t} = \frac {opposite}{adjacent}}[/latex]
Trigonometric Functions
We can define the trigonometric functions in terms an angle [latex]t[/latex] and the lengths of the sides of the triangle. The adjacent side is the side closest to the angle. (Adjacent means “next to.”) The opposite side is the side across from the angle. The hypotenuse is the side of the triangle opposite the right angle, and it is the longest. Right triangle: The sides of a right triangle in relation to angle [latex]t[/latex].
- Sine [latex]\displaystyle{\sin{t} = \frac {opposite}{hypotenuse}}[/latex]
- Cosine [latex]\displaystyle{\cos{t} = \frac {adjacent}{hypotenuse}}[/latex]
- Tangent [latex]\displaystyle{\tan{t} = \frac {opposite}{adjacent}}[/latex]
Evaluating a Trigonometric Function of a Right Triangle
Sometimes you know the length of one side of a triangle and an angle, and need to find other measurements. Use one of the trigonometric functions ([latex]\sin{}[/latex], [latex]\cos{}[/latex], [latex]\tan{}[/latex]), identify the sides and angle given, set up the equation and use the calculator and algebra to find the missing side length. Example 1: Given a right triangle with acute angle of [latex]34^{\circ}[/latex] and a hypotenuse length of [latex]25[/latex] feet, find the length of the side opposite the acute angle (round to the nearest tenth): Right triangle: Given a right triangle with acute angle of [latex]34[/latex] degrees and a hypotenuse length of [latex]25[/latex] feet, find the opposite side length.
[latex]\displaystyle{
\begin{align}
\sin{t} &=\frac {opposite}{hypotenuse} \\
\sin{\left(34^{\circ}\right)} &=\frac{x}{25} \\
25\cdot \sin{ \left(34^{\circ}\right)} &=x\\
x &= 25\cdot \sin{ \left(34^{\circ}\right)}\\
x &= 25 \cdot \left(0.559\dots\right)\\
x &=14.0
\end{align}
}[/latex]
The side opposite the acute angle is [latex]14.0[/latex] feet.
Example 2:
Given a right triangle with an acute angle of [latex]83^{\circ}[/latex] and a hypotenuse length of [latex]300[/latex] feet, find the hypotenuse length (round to the nearest tenth):
Right Triangle: Given a right triangle with an acute angle of [latex]83[/latex] degrees and a hypotenuse length of [latex]300[/latex] feet, find the hypotenuse length.
[latex]\displaystyle{
\begin{align}
\cos{t} &= \frac {adjacent}{hypotenuse} \\
\cos{ \left( 83 ^{\circ}\right)} &= \frac {300}{x} \\
x \cdot \cos{\left(83^{\circ}\right)} &=300 \\
x &=\frac{300}{\cos{\left(83^{\circ}\right)}} \\
x &= \frac{300}{\left(0.1218\dots\right)} \\
x &=2461.7~\mathrm{feet}
\end{align}
}[/latex]
Sine, Cosine, and Tangent
The mnemonic SohCahToa can be used to solve for the length of a side of a right triangle.Learning Objectives
Use the acronym SohCahToa to define Sine, Cosine, and Tangent in terms of right trianglesKey Takeaways
Key Points
- A common mnemonic for remembering the relationships between the Sine, Cosine, and Tangent functions is SohCahToa.
- SohCahToa is formed from the first letters of “Sine is opposite over hypotenuse (Soh), Cosine is adjacent over hypotenuse (Cah), Tangent is opposite over adjacent (Toa).”
Definitions of Trigonometric Functions
Given a right triangle with an acute angle of [latex]t[/latex], the first three trigonometric functions are:- Sine [latex]\displaystyle{ \sin{t} = \frac {opposite}{hypotenuse} }[/latex]
- Cosine [latex]\displaystyle{ \cos{t} = \frac {adjacent}{hypotenuse} }[/latex]
- Tangent [latex]\displaystyle{ \tan{t} = \frac {opposite}{adjacent} }[/latex]
Right triangle: The sides of a right triangle in relation to angle [latex]t[/latex]. The hypotenuse is the long side, the opposite side is across from angle [latex]t[/latex], and the adjacent side is next to angle [latex]t[/latex].
Evaluating a Trigonometric Function of a Right Triangle
Example 1: Given a right triangle with an acute angle of [latex]62^{\circ}[/latex] and an adjacent side of [latex]45[/latex] feet, solve for the opposite side length. (round to the nearest tenth) Right triangle: Given a right triangle with an acute angle of [latex]62[/latex] degrees and an adjacent side of [latex]45[/latex] feet, solve for the opposite side length.
[latex]\displaystyle{
\begin{align}
\tan{t} &= \frac {opposite}{adjacent} \\
\tan{\left(62^{\circ}\right)} &=\frac{x}{45} \\
45\cdot \tan{\left(62^{\circ}\right)} &=x \\
x &= 45\cdot \tan{\left(62^{\circ}\right)}\\
x &= 45\cdot \left( 1.8807\dots \right) \\
x &=84.6
\end{align}
}[/latex]
Example 2: A ladder with a length of [latex]30~\mathrm{feet}[/latex] is leaning against a building. The angle the ladder makes with the ground is [latex]32^{\circ}[/latex]. How high up the building does the ladder reach? (round to the nearest tenth of a foot)
Right triangle: After sketching a picture of the problem, we have the triangle shown. The angle given is [latex]32^\circ[/latex], the hypotenuse is 30 feet, and the missing side length is the opposite leg, [latex]x[/latex] feet.
[latex]\displaystyle{
\begin{align}
\sin{t} &= \frac {opposite}{hypotenuse} \\
\sin{ \left( 32^{\circ} \right) } & =\frac{x}{30} \\
30\cdot \sin{ \left(32^{\circ}\right)} &=x \\
x &= 30\cdot \sin{ \left(32^{\circ}\right)}\\
x &= 30\cdot \left( 0.5299\dots \right) \\
x &= 15.9 ~\mathrm{feet}
\end{align}
}[/latex]
Finding Angles From Ratios: Inverse Trigonometric Functions
The inverse trigonometric functions can be used to find the acute angle measurement of a right triangle.Learning Objectives
Use inverse trigonometric functions in solving problems involving right trianglesKey Takeaways
Key Points
- A missing acute angle value of a right triangle can be found when given two side lengths.
- To find a missing angle value, use the trigonometric functions sine, cosine, or tangent, and the inverse key on a calculator to apply the inverse function ([latex]\arcsin{}[/latex], [latex]\arccos{}[/latex], [latex]\arctan{}[/latex]), [latex]\sin^{-1}[/latex], [latex]\cos^{-1}[/latex], [latex]\tan^{-1}[/latex].
Inverse Trigonometric Functions
In order to solve for the missing acute angle, use the same three trigonometric functions, but, use the inverse key ([latex]^{-1}[/latex]on the calculator) to solve for the angle ([latex]A[/latex]) when given two sides. [latex-display]\displaystyle{ A^{\circ} = \sin^{-1}{ \left( \frac {\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}} \right) } }[/latex-display] [latex]\displaystyle{ A^{\circ} = \cos^{-1}{ \left( \frac {\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}} \right) } }[/latex] [latex-display]\displaystyle{ A^{\circ} = \tan^{-1}{\left(\frac {\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} \right) }}[/latex-display]Example
For a right triangle with hypotenuse length [latex]25~\mathrm{feet}[/latex] and acute angle [latex]A^\circ[/latex]with opposite side length [latex]12~\mathrm{feet}[/latex], find the acute angle to the nearest degree: Right triangle: Find the measure of angle [latex]A[/latex], when given the opposite side and hypotenuse.
[latex]\displaystyle{
\begin{align}
\sin{A^{\circ}} &= \frac {\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}} \\
\sin{A^{\circ}} &= \frac{12}{25} \\
A^{\circ} &= \sin^{-1}{\left( \frac{12}{25} \right)} \\
A^{\circ} &= \sin^{-1}{\left( 0.48 \right)} \\
A &=29^{\circ}
\end{align}
}[/latex]Licenses & Attributions
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