BASIC TRIG REVIEW
If you’re given a right triangle, there are certain special functions, called trig
functions, of the angles in the triangle that depend on the lengths of the sides. We’ll
concentrate on three of these functions; the sine, cosine, and tangent (abbreviated
sin, cos, and tan, respectively). Take a look at the following right triangle, ABC.
The right angle is at C, and the lengths of the sides are labeled a, b, and c.
First, we’ll mention one of the most important facts about any right triangle. The
Pythagorean theorem tells us that the square of the hypotenuse (which is the name
of the side opposite the right angle, always the longest side) is equal to the sum of
the squares of the other two sides (called the legs):
a^2 + b^2 = c^2Triangles and Beans?
Pythagoras was
actually a cult leader