Math 10C

Solving Right Triangles

Stuff you should know to do this lesson:

opp a
sin A  
c 2 =a2 + b2
B hyp c
adj b
c cos A  
a hyp c
opp a
tan A  
A adj b
b C

Use a ruler and protractor to measure all the sides and angles in the triangle below.
Compare your results with your partner. How many measurements did you need to
make?
A

C B

The following triangles are not necessarily to scale. Use the Pythagorean Theorem
or the trigonometric ratios above to determine the measures of all the angles and all
the sides, if possible. If it is not possible, explain why not.

K O

50o
4m

40o D
L H G
3m
A
15 cm

22o B
C

32 cm

M N

Finding all the sides and all the angles in a triangle is called “solving the triangle”.
Look back at the four triangles above. Which were solveable, and which were not?

What is the minimum information you must be given in order to be able to solve a
right triangle?

Solve the following triangles, if possible.

P
B
32 cm

29o
M N
12 m
13 m

A C

35o T
C