Applying right triangles

The  exercise appears under the Geometry Math Mission. This exercise practices basic trigonometry and inverse trigonometry applications.

Types of Problems
There are two types of problems in this exercise:


 * 1) Find the appropriate length: This problem has a word problem with a diagram drawn. The student is expected to se right triangle trigonometry to find the length that is specified.Art1.png
 * 2) Find the appropriate angle: This problem has a story problem with a diagram drawn. The student is expected to use the arcfunctions of the three standard trigonometric functions to find the angle asked specified.Art2.png

Strategies
Knowledge of basic SOH-CAH-TOA trigonometry is encouraged to ensure success on this exercise. A calculator will be required, although a basic one is provided.
 * 1) Sine is the ratio of opposite side to hypotenuse in a right triangle.
 * 2) Cosine is the ratio of adjacent side to hypotenuse in a right triangle.
 * 3) Tangent if the ratio of opposite side to adjacent leg in a right triangle.
 * 4) Calculations should be performed in degrees for angle answers, and all answers are rounded to two decimal places of accuracy.
 * 5) Read carefully, as sometimes additional "heights" need to be added to get final answers.

Real-life Applications

 * 1) Many of the problems in this exercise are applications.
 * 2) Problems involving the angles inside polygons are very common on standardized tests, such as the SAT, ACT, ASVAB and GRE.
 * 3) The basic knowledge of right triangles is foundational to trigonometry and precalculus.
 * 4) Trigonometry is often used in engineering and physics applications.