BACK TO WORKSHEETS
Great, this is what we have been waiting for. Time to top up the tan.
Okay so maybe not that sort of tan.
We can use the tan ratio, to help us find a missing side length in a right angled triangle.
When we got out to get a tan, we use help in the form of a sun cream formula.
Here, our help is coming from a formula triangle.
T is for tan (which will be given as an angle)
O is for the opposite side from the angle
A is the adjacent
The line in the middle means divide.
To use this triangle we cover up what side it is we want to find and we are left with a formula to follow.
Who would have thought formulas could be so helpful.
If we want to find the adjacent, cover up the A. The formula we are left with is opposite ÷ tan(angle)
If we want to find the opposite cover up the O. The formula we are left with is Tan(angle) x Adjacent.
Let's give it a go.
You will need a scientific calculator for this. Make sure it is set to degrees.
Example 1
1. Label the triangle
2. Find the two sides you want. You want to find x, so we want O, and the only other side you have to help is the A.
3. Look at your formula triangle, cover up the side you want to find which is O. (see above)
4. We are left with tan47 x 7
5. In your calculator type in tan 47 x 7
6. Your answer should be 7.51 cm to 2 decimal places.
Example 2
1. Label your triangle
2. Find the sides you want
3. You should have discovered you wanted O and A
4. Use your formula triangle and cover up A the side you want to find
5. The formula you are left with is opposite ÷ tan 32
6. 15 ÷ tan32 = 24.00 cm correct to 2 decimal places
How tantastic is that?
