Question

If you are given only one length of one side of your right triangle, how do you find the the other side of the triangle? Like if one side were 10 feet?

Answer 1

Answer: You apply the trigonometric ratios of Sine, Cosine and Tangent.

Step-by-step explanation: In a question such as this one of the angles must be given, which is labeled the reference angle. We already know one angle is 90 degrees in a right angled triangle, so the other two angles whatever their size is, must both add up to 90, which means they are both acute angles. If one side is given, for instance 10 units, and one of the two acute angles is given, for example 30 degrees, then the line facing the reference angle (30 degrees) would be the OPPOSITE. The line that lies between the angles 30 and 90 would be the ADJACENT while the third side which is the longest would be the HYPOTENUSE.

So if for instance, the opposite line is 10 units, and you are required to calculate the other line, the adjacent, AS LONG AS YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN A REFERENCE ANGLE, you can simply calculate as follows;

TanX = opposite/adjacent (and that becomes)

Tan 30 = 10/adj

Adj = 10/Tan 30

Adj = 10/0.5774

Adj = 17.32

**Note that the use of angle 30 was just for the sake of explanation. Your reference angle whatever it is, would be provided by your examiner**