4.0 Triangle Trigonometry Basics

Front

What does SOH-CAH-TOA stand for in trigonometry?

Back

SOH-CAH-TOA is a mnemonic for remembering the definitions of the sine, cosine, and tangent functions: Sine = Opposite/Hypotenuse, Cosine = Adjacent/Hypotenuse, Tangent = Opposite/Adjacent.

Front

When can we use SOH-CAH-TOA?

Back

SOH-CAH-TOA can only be used for right triangles.

Front

What is the formula to find the angle using the sine function?

Back

The formula to find the angle is θ = sin⁻¹(opposite/hypotenuse).

Front

How do you solve for an angle using the cosine function?

Back

To solve for an angle using the cosine function, use the formula θ = cos⁻¹(adjacent/hypotenuse).

Front

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

Back

The sine function relates the length of the opposite side to the hypotenuse: sin(θ) = opposite/hypotenuse.

Front

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

Back

The cosine function relates the length of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse: cos(θ) = adjacent/hypotenuse.

Front

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

Back

The tangent function relates the length of the opposite side to the adjacent side: tan(θ) = opposite/adjacent.

Front

How do you calculate the length of a side using the cosine function?

Back

To calculate the length of a side using the cosine function, rearrange the formula: adjacent = hypotenuse * cos(θ).

Front

What is the sine of an angle in a right triangle?

Back

The sine of an angle is the ratio of the length of the opposite side to the length of the hypotenuse.

Front

What is the cosine of an angle in a right triangle?

Back

The cosine of an angle is the ratio of the length of the adjacent side to the length of the hypotenuse.