To solve a right triangle you must use the rules of sohcahtoa. Of course sohcahtoa isnt a real word. Its abriviation for the rules to solve triangles. Note that these rules applies ONLY to right triangles. Also you cannont use the 90 degree angle in the formulas. You must use exsisting legs an angles to plug into formulas. You are ususally given three angels which always usually include a right angle. That leaves two angles for you to use. You must figure out how the angle and leg left are related then pick the formula that works best for it. Then you plug it into calulator. You must solve for all angles and legs to compelety solve a triangle. *To get full credit draw out triangles wheather its a words problem or not. Here are the rules to solve it:
Sin=opposite leg/hypotenuse Cos=adjacent leg/hypotenuse
Tan=opposite leg/adjacent leg.
Ex1 AB = 5 A=90 C=60
1. The other angle is 180-90-60=30. So B=30
2. Now use sohcahtoa 5 would be adjacent to angle B so lets use Tan
tan60=x/5 so when simplfied 5tan60=8.660
3.Now we must find other side. To use the same and lets use formula Cos
cos60=5/x simplified 5cos60=2.5
4.Now you have all sides and angles and are done.
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