Post

Created by @emilysmith123
 at October 19th 2023, 9:24:32 pm.

When it comes to solving problems involving tangent, a few steps can help you find the missing angles or side lengths in right triangles. Let's walk through the process!

Step 1: Identify the right triangle in the problem. Look for the presence of a right angle (∠90°) and label the sides as the opposite (O), adjacent (A), and hypotenuse (H).

Step 2: Determine the given information. Identify which side length or angle measure is already provided in the problem.

Step 3: Use the tangent function (tan) to set up an equation. Recall that tanθ = O/A. If the opposite side length is given, you can use the tangent function to find the angle θ or the adjacent side length. For example, if you know the value of θ and the length of the opposite side, you can find the adjacent side length using the formula A = O/tanθ.

Step 4: Substitute the known values into the equation and solve for the unknown. Use your calculator to evaluate the tangent function or simplify the equation to find the missing angle or side length.

Remember, practice is key to mastering these problems. Keep solving and you'll soon become a pro at using tangent in geometric problem-solving!