Using Trig Functions

TL;DR

Learn how to solve right triangle problems by using trigonometric functions and ratios.

Transcript

We're now going to do a few examples to actually show you why the trig functions are actually useful. So let's get started with a problem. Let's say I have this right triangle. That's my right triangle. There's the right angle. And let's say I know that the measure of this angle is pi over 4 radians. And I'll just write rad for short. If the measur... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥳 Trigonometric functions and ratios are useful for solving right triangle problems.
• 😒 The SOHCAHTOA mnemonic helps determine the appropriate trigonometric function to use.
• 🚰 Calculators and trigonometric tables can provide the values of trigonometric functions if not known.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do you determine which trigonometric function to use in a right triangle problem?

To determine which trigonometric function to use, you need to identify the sides of the triangle that are known and the side you want to find. For example, if you know the opposite and adjacent sides, you would use the tangent function (TOA). If you know the adjacent and hypotenuse sides, you would use the cosine function (CAH).

Q: What do you do if you don't know the values of the trigonometric functions?

If you don't know the values of the trigonometric functions, you have a few options. You can use a calculator set to radians and calculate the trigonometric function directly. Alternatively, you can look up the values in a trigonometric table. In some cases, the values may be given in the problem itself.

Q: What is the significance of the SOHCAHTOA mnemonic?

The SOHCAHTOA mnemonic helps to remember which trigonometric function to use based on the sides of a right triangle. SOH stands for sine equals opposite over hypotenuse, CAH stands for cosine equals adjacent over hypotenuse, and TOA stands for tangent equals opposite over adjacent.

Q: Can the trigonometric functions values be memorized?

While it is possible to memorize some common trigonometric function values, it is generally more practical to use calculators or tables to determine the values in specific problems. Memorizing the trigonometric function values is not necessary for solving right triangle problems.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video demonstrates how to solve right triangle problems using trigonometric functions and ratios.

• It explains how to determine which trigonometric function to use based on the known sides and angles of the triangle.

• The examples shown involve finding the length of a side of a triangle based on known angles and sides.

• The video emphasizes the use of the SOHCAHTOA mnemonic to remember the trigonometric functions and their relationships to the sides of a right triangle.