Trigonometry Basics
Trigonometry is your secret weapon for solving right-angled triangle problems. The magic word you need to remember is SOHCAHTOA - it's not as complicated as it looks, promise!
First, let's sort out the sides of your triangle. The hypotenuse is always the longest side, sitting opposite the right angle. The opposite side is directly across from the angle you're working with. The adjacent side is the one next to your angle (but not the hypotenuse).
Now for the main event - SOHCAHTOA breaks down into three simple ratios:
- SOH: Sine = Opposite ÷ Hypotenuse
- CAH: Cosine = Adjacent ÷ Hypotenuse
- TOA: Tangent = Opposite ÷ Adjacent
Quick Tip: Remember SOHCAHTOA by thinking "Some Old Hippie Caught Another Hippie Tripping On Acid" - weird but it works!
When you need to find an angle instead of a side, use the inverse functions: sin⁻¹, cos⁻¹, or tan⁻¹. Just press shift and then your chosen trig button on your calculator. Easy!