Solving Right Triangles

To solve a right triangle, you typically start with known information, such as the lengths of one or two sides or the measure of one angle. Here are the steps to solve a right triangle:

1. Identify the Given Information: Determine what information you have about the triangle. This could include the lengths of one or two sides (the legs or the hypotenuse) or the measure of one angle.
2. Use Trigonometric Ratios: Depending on the given information, use the appropriate trigonometric ratio to find the missing side lengths or angle measures. The three primary trigonometric ratios are:
   • Sine (sin): sin⁡(θ)=opposite side/hypotenuse
   • sin(θ)=hypotenuse/opposite side​
   • Cosine (cos): cos⁡(θ)=adjacent side/hypotenuse
   • cos(θ)=hypotenuse/adjacent side​
   • Tangent (tan): tan⁡(θ)=opposite side/adjacent side
   • tan(θ)=adjacent side/opposite side​
3. Apply Inverse Trigonometric Functions: If you need to find an angle measure, use the inverse trigonometric functions (arcsine, arccosine, arctangent) to calculate the angle based on the ratio of the triangle’s sides.
4. Check for Consistency: Ensure that your solutions are consistent with the properties of right triangles and trigonometric ratios. For example, the Pythagorean Theorem (c2=a2+b2) should hold true for a right triangle.
5. Finalize the Solution: Present your final solution by stating the lengths of the sides and the measures of the angles in the right triangle.

By following these steps and applying trigonometric principles, you can effectively solve right triangles and determine their side lengths and angle measures.