Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
Keep in mind that these three trig functions can be interpreted as being the ratios of the side lengths of a triangle:
opposite side
sin x = ----------------------
hypotenuse
adjacent side
cos x = ----------------------
hypotenuse
opposite side
tan x = ----------------------
adjacent side
In the case where you have a right triangle and know the lengths of two of its three sides, that knowledge dictates which of the above trig functions to use in "solving the triangle."
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If, for example, the "opposite side" of a triangle is 3 and the "hypotenuse" is 5, we'd choose to use the sine function to find the angle opposite the "opposite side:"
opposite side 3 units
sin x = ---------------------- = -------------
hypotenuse 5 units
Find x by using the inverse sine function:
Angle x = arcsin 3/5 = 0.644 radians or 36.9 degrees.
