MAT017
Applied Math II
Procedures
The Right Triangle
Trig Functions
1.
Uppercase letters denote angles (C is always the right angle).
2.
Lowercase letters denote sides opposite angles (c is always the hypotenuse).
3.
The Trig Functions:
Sin
Cos
Tan
opposite/hypotenuse
adjacent/hypotenuse
opposite/adjacent
Example
The diagram demonstrates the relationship between Opposite and Adjacent sides with respect to a
given angle.
B
Side a is Opposite angle A
Side a is Adjacent to angle B a
C
c Side c is the Hypotenuse.
It is Opposite angle C. It is the longest side.
b
A
Side b is Opposite angle B and Adjacent to angle A
Understanding these relationships and definitions will help you use trig functions correctly.
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