Geometry Unit 2 Right Triangles and Trigonometry Portfolio
To be submitted in Lesson 4
The ADA (American’s with Disabilities Act) has specific buildings codes for wheelchair ramps. This applies to
both businesses and home construction. For this portfolio entry you will research and investigate wheel chair
ramps and their connections to Geometry and Trigonometry.
1. Name at least 2 places in your community where you have seen wheelchair ramps. 1 pt
At the court house and I have seen one at Casey’s general store.
2. Research the ADA building codes for ramps. What is the acceptable slope ratio for a wheelchair ramp?
Explain, in your own words, what this ratio means. 2 pts
The recommended slope for a ramp is 1:12. This ratio means that the length of the wheelchair ramp
slope should be 1 foot at least for each inch of the slope rise.
3. Find a wheelchair ramp either online or in your community. You can take a picture of one (state where
your wheelchair ramp is from) and paste it in your portfolio. If you find one online, make sure to cite
where you are taking the picture from. 1 pt
( www.disabilitysystems.com/ramps/more-ramps.html )
4. Sketch over the right triangle formed from your wheelchair ramp and the ground. Include the lengths of
each side of the triangle in your sketch. 1 pt
5. Use the Converse of the Pythagorean Theorem to verify that the measurements of your wheelchair ramp
are consistent with those of a right triangle. (Hint: Show that c2 = a2 + b2). Show all work. If the
measurements are not consistent, explain why you think this may be. 2 pts
6. Label the angle formed between the ground and the wheelchair ramp ∠A. Write hypotenuse along the
hypotenuse, adjacent side along the leg adjacent to ∠ A, and opposite leg along the leg opposite of ∠ A.
1 pt
7. Write the sine, cosine, and tangent ratios for ∠ A. 1 pt
8. Reduce the tangent ratio of ∠ A. Is this ratio in compliance with the building code slope ratio for
wheelchair ramps? Explain why or why not. 2 pts
9. Find the measure of ∠A using inverse tangent. Show all work. 1 pt
10. In conclusion, explain in at least two sentences how mathematics plays an important role in making sure
ramps are safe and easy to use. 2 pts
Mathematics determines how long the ramp should be in height. In different places ramps need to be a
certain width and length. Mathematics helps to make sure the ramp is sturdy so it will be easy to use.