Question

A right triangle has side lengths 8 ,15 , 17 and as shown below.

Answer 1

Answers:

tan(A) = 8/15

sin(A) = 8/17

cos(A) = 15/17

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Explanation:

The tangent ratio involves the opposite over adjacent. With respect to angle A, the opposite side is 8 units long as this side is as far as possible away from angle A. In contrast, the adjacent side is 15 units long because this leg is closest possible and the two are right next to one another.

Therefore,

tan(angle) = opposite/adjacent

tan(A) = BC/AC

tan(A) = 8/15

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As for the other trig ratios, they are:

sin(angle) = opposite/hypotenuse

cos(angle) = adjacent/hypotenuse

which explains why sin(A) and cos(A) are 8/17 and 15/17 respectively.