Mathematics
Connect right-triangle angles with ratios of side lengths.
Trigonometry relates the angles of a right triangle to its sides. The three basic ratios—sine, cosine and tangent—help us calculate an unknown side or angle.
The opposite and adjacent sides depend on the angle being considered, while the hypotenuse is always opposite the right angle. Trigonometry is used in heights, distances, surveying and navigation.
Worked example
In a right triangle, the side opposite θ is 6 cm and the adjacent side is 8 cm. Find tan θ.
Answer tan θ = 3/4 or 0.75.