Lesson

Trigonometric Functions
1 (SOH-CAH-TOAH)

In this lesson, you'll learn about the basic ratios used in trigonometry, called SOH-CAH-
TOA. These ratios help us solve problems involving right triangles. SOH-CAH-TOA stands for Sine,
Cosine, and Tangent. You’ll learn what each of these means and how to use them to find missing
sides or angles in a right triangle. By the end of the lesson, you'll be able to use these ratios to solve
different triangle problems. Let’s get started and have fun with math!

📚 The Lost Treasure and the Triangle Guardians

An Adventure in Trigonometry: Sine, Cosine, Tangent, Secant, Cosecant, and Cotangent

The Journey Begins

Aiden and Luna, two young explorers, stumble upon an ancient map inside their school
library. The map reveals the location of the Lost Treasure of Trigo, hidden deep inside a
mysterious temple.

"To reach the treasure, we must solve the puzzles of the Triangle Guardians," Luna reads
aloud.

"That sounds like a math challenge! Let's do it!" Aiden exclaims excitedly.

As they enter the temple, a huge stone door blocks their way. Suddenly, a glowing figure
appears—it’s the First Triangle Guardian!

🔹 First Challenge: The SOH-CAH-TOAH Puzzle

"To pass, you must solve this triangle mystery!" the Guardian declares.
A right triangle appears on the stone wall, labeled as △XYZ, where:

 Hypotenuse = 17 cm
 Opposite side = 8 cm
 Adjacent side = 15 cm

Question 1: What is the sine, cosine, and tangent of angle X?

💡 Trigonometric Ratios (SOH-CAH-TOAH)

opposite
 Sine(θ)=
hypotenuse
adjacent
 Cosine(θ)=
hypotenuse
opposite
 Tangent (θ)=
adjacent

Solution:

8 15 8
Sine(X )= =0.47 Cosine (X )= =0.88 Tangent ( X)= =0.53
17 17 15

The Guardian smiles. "You are worthy! The door opens halfway. But more challenges
await!"

🔹 Second Challenge: The Reciprocal Riddle

The Second Guardian appears and presents another triangle:

 Hypotenuse = 13 cm
 Opposite side = 5 cm
 Adjacent side = 12 cm

"You solved SOH-CAH-TOAH, but do you know the reciprocals?" the Guardian asks.

💡 Reciprocal Trigonometric Functions:

hypotenuse
 Cosecant∨csc ( θ ) =
opposite
hypotenuse
 Secant∨sec ( θ ) =
adjacent
adjacent
 Cotangent∨cot ( θ )=
opposite

Question 2: Find csc, sec, and cot of angle A.

Solution:
 13 13 12
csc ( A ) = =2.6 sec ( A )= =1.08 cot ( A )= =2.4
5 12 5

The second Guardian nods. The next door rumbles open! 💥

🔹 Final Challenge: The Compass of Knowledge

The final Guardian steps forward, holding an ancient, weathered compass in hand. "You've journeyed
far, but there’s one last test to complete. Answer this question and unlock the wisdom of the ages."

"Think about a ship navigating across the open sea. You know the direction and
distance you need to travel, but the sea isn’t straight ahead. How might trigonometry
help you plot the most efficient route?"

Aiden answers confidently, "Trigonometry could help the captain by using bearings and
angles to calculate the shortest, most direct path. By applying the right trigonometric ratios,
they can adjust the course to avoid obstacles and save time."

The Guardian smiles and says, “Your answers show a deep understanding of the world
around you. You’ve unlocked the treasure—the compass of knowledge, engraved with the
secrets of trigonometry.” 🏆

📚 Summary of Trigonometric Functions

Function Formula
opposite
Sine (sin) Sine(θ)=
hypotenuse

adjacent
Cosine (cos) Cosine(θ)=
hypotenuse

opposite
Tangent (tan) Tangent (θ)=
adjacent
hypotenuse
Cosecant (csc) csc ( θ ) =
opposite
hypotenuse
Secant (sec) sec ( θ )=
adjacent
adjacent
Cotangent (cot) cot ( θ )=
opposite

🎮 Reflection Questions
1. How did Aiden and Luna use trigonometry to unlock the doors?
2. Why are cosecant, secant, and cotangent called reciprocal functions?
📖 Activity 1: Concept Check
Answer the following based on the story:

2. What is the sine of angle X in △XYZ?

1. What was the hypotenuse in the first challenge?

3. What is the cosine of angle X in △XYZ?

4. What is the tangent of angle X in △XYZ?

6. What is the cosecant of angle A in △ABC?

5. What was the hypotenuse in the second challenge?

7. What is the secant of angle A in △ABC?

8. What is the cotangent of angle A in △ABC?
9. What is SOH-CAH-TOAH?
10. What are the reciprocal trigonometric functions?

📖 Activity 2: Problem Solving

Solve the following problems using the concepts from the story:

11. If a right triangle has an opposite side of 7 cm and a hypotenuse of 25 cm, what is the
sine of the given angle?
12. If the adjacent side of a right triangle is 9 cm and the hypotenuse is 15 cm, what is the
cosine of the angle?
13. A ladder leans against a wall, making a 60° angle with the ground. If the ladder is 10
meters long, how high does it reach on the wall?
14. If a tree casts a shadow of 12 meters and the angle of elevation of the sun is 45°, how
tall is the tree?
15. A tower is 50 meters tall. If the angle of elevation from a point on the ground is 30°,
what is the distance from the base of the tower to that point?

📖 Activity 1: Concept Check

1. 17 cm 6. 2.6
2. 0.47 7. 1.08
3. 0.88 8. 2.4
4. 0.53 9. A mnemonic for sine, cosine, and tangent ratio
5. 13 cm 10. Cosecant, secant, and cotangent as reciprocals of sine,
. cosine, and tangent

📖 Activity 2: Problem Solving

11. 0.28
12. 0.6
13. 8.66 meters
14. 12 meters
15. 86.6 meters
16.

Lesson
 Trigonometric
Function
of Special
2 Angles
In this lesson, you will learn how to evaluate trigonometric expressions involving
special angles. These special angles are the measures of the acute angles in special right
triangles: the 45°-45°-90° triangle and the 30°-60°-90° triangle. The following activities will
guide you to learn and master this topic.

📚 Trig in Action: " Aiden, Luna, and the Island Lighthouse"

The Mysterious Signal

Aiden and Luna were sailing around a chain of small islands on a research expedition. One
evening, they noticed a faint, flickering light emanating from a remote island. It was an old
lighthouse, long abandoned, but the light seemed to be signaling something.

"That's odd," Luna said, adjusting her binoculars. "The lighthouse hasn't been operational in
years. Maybe someone's stranded."

Aiden, intrigued, checked their charts. "Let's head over there. But navigation will be tricky –
the channel is narrow and there are reefs."

First Challenge: Calculating Distance to the Lighthouse

As they approached the island, Luna needed to determine their exact distance from the
lighthouse to avoid the reefs. She used her sextant (measuring instrument) to measure the
angle of elevation to the top of the lighthouse, which she estimated to be 30°. They knew the
lighthouse was 20 meters tall.

"Aiden, trigonometry time!" Luna announced. "We can use the tangent function to find our
distance from the base of the lighthouse."

 Formula: tan(θ) = Opposite / Adjacent

Luna set up the equation: "tan (30°) =

20
. We know tan (30°) =
√3 which is
distance 3
approximately 0.577."
 20
"So," Aiden calculated, "distance = = 34.64 meters. We're about 34.64 meters away
0.577
from the base of the lighthouse."

Second Challenge: Navigating a 45-Degree Turn

To safely navigate around a reef, Luna needed to make a precise 45-degree turn. She planned
to sail a certain distance along a line perpendicular to their current course, creating a 45-45-
90 triangle.

 Theorem: In a 45°-45°-90° triangle, the legs are congruent, and the length of the
hypotenuse is √2 times the length of a leg.

Luna decided that sailing 15 meters on the first leg of the course to ensure that they would be
far enough from the reef.

"Okay, Aiden, we will sail 15 meters, make a turn of 45 degrees and sail another 15 meters."
Luna explained.

Third Challenge: Estimating Reef Height (60-Degree Angle)

As they rounded the island, they noticed a partially submerged reef. They needed to
estimate its height to avoid running aground. From their vantage point, the angle of elevation
to the highest point of the visible reef was 60°. They estimated their distance from the reef to
be 5 meters.

This formed a 30-60-90 triangle where the height of the reef was the longer leg. With their
distance from the reef the shorter leg, Aiden and Luna would be able to figure out its height.

 Theorem: In a 30°-60°-90° triangle, the length of the hypotenuse is twice the length
of the shorter leg, and the length of the longer leg is √3 times the length of the shorter
leg.

To determine how high the reef was, the two did the following calculations:
Reef height = √3 × Shorter leg
Reef Height = √3 × 5
Reef Height = 8.66 meters

Knowing this, Aiden carefully steered the boat around the reef.

The Rescue

Reaching the lighthouse, they found a lone researcher who had been stranded for days
due to a malfunctioning radio. Aiden, with his engineering skills, quickly fixed the radio, and
Luna contacted the mainland for a rescue helicopter.

Questions for Further Exploration:

 1. If Luna measured the angle of elevation to the top of the lighthouse to be 45° from a
distance of 25 meters, how tall is the lighthouse?
2. Suppose Luna wanted to take a 30° turn and was 10m away from the reef, how long
will the Hypotenuse and Longer Leg be?
3. What are some other real-world scenarios where knowledge of trigonometric
functions of special angles can be critical for navigation or engineering?

As they sailed away, Aiden and Luna reflected on their adventure. They had used the
knowledge of trigonometric functions to navigate safely, estimate heights, and ultimately,
rescue a stranded person. It reinforced how mathematics, particularly trigonometry, plays a
crucial role in real-world problem-solving and exploration.

Question 1: If Luna measured the angle of elevation to the top of the lighthouse to be
45° from a distance of 25 meters, how tall is the lighthouse?

 Concept: This involves using the tangent function with a 45° angle.
 Formula: tan(θ) = Opposite / Adjacent
 Applying the Formula:
 θ = 45°
 Adjacent (distance from the lighthouse) = 25 meters
 Opposite (height of the lighthouse) = unknown (let's call it 'h')
 tan(45°) = h / 25
 Solving for h:
 We know that tan(45°) = 1
 Therefore, 1 = h / 25
 Multiply both sides by 25: h = 25 meters
 Answer: The lighthouse is 25 meters tall.

Question 2: Suppose Luna wanted to take a 30° turn and was 10m away from the reef,
how long will the Hypotenuse and Longer Leg be?

 Concept: We have a 30-60-90 right triangle. The 10m distance from the reef is one of
the legs. Because Luna wanted to take a 30 degree turn away from the reef, that 10 m
distance is the "shorter leg"
 Theorem:
Hypotenuse = 2 × (shorter leg)
Longer leg = √3 × (shorter leg)

 Calculations:
Hypotenuse = 2 × 10m = 20m
Longer leg = √3 × 10m = 10√3 m (approximately 17.32 meters)

 Answer: 30-60-90 Triangle: Hypotenuse = 20 meters, Longer Leg = 10√3 meters

(approximately 17.32 meters) long.

Question 3: What are some other real-world scenarios where knowledge of

trigonometric functions of special angles can be critical?

 Answer: Navigation (distances, bearings, course correction), Engineering (structural

design, surveying, mechanical engineering).
 .

KEY CONCEPTS
In Geometry, the following sides of special right triangles are related as follows:
45°-45°-90° Right Triangle Theorem

hypotenuse is √2 times the length of a leg

In a 45°-45°-90° triangle, the legs are congruent; the length of the

Hypotenuse = √2 leg

30°-60°-90° Right Triangle Theorem

length of the shorter leg; the length of the longer leg is √3 times the length of
In a 30°-60°-90° triangle, the length of the hypotenuse is twice the

the
shorter leg.

Longer leg = √3 shorter leg

Hypotenuse = 2 shorter leg

Aiden and Luna and the Trigonometry Treasure Hunt

The Mysterious Letter

Aiden and Luna, now seasoned math adventurers, received a mysterious letter from a distant
relative, a retired mathematician named Aunt Hypatia. The letter spoke of a hidden treasure
somewhere on their family's old estate. The only clue was a series of trigonometric problems
related to special angles!

"Another math challenge!" Aiden exclaimed, his eyes are gleaming.

Luna, ever practical, pulled out her notebook. "Let's get started! Aunt Hypatia always had a
knack for puzzles."
The Challenges

Challenge 1: The Kite's Height

The first clue read: "Find the height of the kite soaring at a 45-degree angle with 40 meters of
string. Round to the nearest tenth of a meter."

Aiden quickly sketched a diagram. The string was the hypotenuse, and the height was the
side opposite the 45-degree angle. They needed to find the sine of 45 degrees.

 Trigonometric Function: sin(θ) = Opposite / Hypotenuse

"So," Luna said, "sin(45°) = height / 40. We know sin(45°) = √2 / 2, which is approximately
0.707."

Aiden calculated: "height = 0.707 × 40 = 28.28 meters. Rounding to the nearest tenth, the
height of the kite is 28.3 meters."

Challenge 2: The Triangle's Missing Side

The next clue showed a right triangle ACB, with angle A = 45 degrees and side AC (adjacent
to angle A) = 8 cm. They needed to find the length of side AB (the hypotenuse, c).

 Concept: This is a 45-45-90 triangle. This means that AB= BC

 Trigonometric Function: cos(45°) = Adjacent / Hypotenuse

8
Aiden wrote: "cos(45°) = . We know cos(45°) =
√2 ."
c 2
Aiden changed the problem from Cos to the Pythagorean Theroem,
2 2 2
A B = A C + BC
2 2 2
A B =8 +8

AB^2 = 64 + 64
AB^2 = 128

AB= √ 128

AB = √ 64 ×2

AB = 8(√ 2)

8
8 ×2 16
Luna solved for c: "c = √ 2 = = cm (approximately 11.31 cm)."
2
√ 2 √ 2

Challenge 3: The Flagpole

The final note mentioned a flagpole.

The height of the flagpole is the number you get when you add the tangent of 30 degree to the
value of Sin 30°

Aiden drew a diagram of the pole.

 Trigonometric Functions and Table:

o tan 30° =
√3
3
o Sin 30° = 0.5

The final result equaled the height:

height =
√3 + 0.5
3

The Treasure

Using the final number to compare to heights of flagpoles on the property.

Sure enough, there it was: a small, weathered chest. Inside, they found Aunt Hypatia's most
prized possession: her collection of mathematical puzzles and a handwritten note: "The real
treasure is the joy of solving problems!"

SUMMARY

Values of Trigonometric Functions of Special Angles

 11.

Lesson
ANGLE OF
3 DEPRESSION

The objectives of this lesson are centered around mastering the angle of depression
and its application in solving practical problems involving heights and distances. Students
will cultivate proficiency in utilizing trigonometric functions to accurately calculate distances
and angles associated with the angle of depression. Furthermore, the module is designed to
bolster problem-solving capabilities through a combination of hands-on exercises and
comprehensive assessments, ensuring a robust understanding of the subject matter.

Angle of Depression:
The angle of depression is defined as the acute angle formed between a
horizontal line (eye level) and the line of sight when an observer looks down at
an object that is located at a lower level. This angle is crucial in trigonometry and
geometry, as it allows for the calculation of distances and heights in various real-
world scenarios, such as navigation, architecture, and surveying. The angle of
depression is equal to the angle of elevation from the object being observed to
the observer's eye level.

Title: The Adventure of the Curious Climber

Once upon a time in the picturesque town of Mathville, there lived a curious
young climber named Leo. Leo loved exploring the great outdoors, especially the
tall cliffs and mountains surrounding his home. One sunny day, he decided to
climb the tallest cliff in Mathville, known as the "Eagle's Perch." Legend had it
 that from the top, one could see the entire valley and even spot the hidden
treasures of the forest below.

As Leo began his ascent, he felt a rush of excitement. The higher he climbed, the
more breathtaking the view became. After a challenging climb, he finally
reached the top of the cliff. Panting but exhilarated, Leo took a moment to catch
his breath and enjoy the view. Suddenly, he noticed his friend Mia waving from
the base of the cliff. She looked tiny from up there! Leo wanted to know how far
away she was from the cliff's base. He remembered his math lessons about the
Angle of Depression and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to apply
what he learned.
Leo recalled that the Angle of Depression is the angle formed between a
horizontal line (his eye level) and the line of sight to an object below (in this
case, Mia). He quickly set up a little challenge for himself.

Leo measured the height of the cliff using a small stick he found. It was 80 feet
tall. He then looked down at Mia, who was standing 50 feet away from the base
of the cliff. Leo thought, "If I can find the angle of depression, I can calculate how
far away Mia is from me!" Using his trusty calculator, Leo remembered the
formula for the tangent of the angle:
Tangent (θ) = Opposite / Adjacent
Here, the opposite side is the height of the cliff (80 feet), and the adjacent side is
the distance from Mia to the base of the cliff (50 feet). He set up the equation:

tan(θ) = 80 / 50
θ = tan-1(1.6)
θ = 57.9
After calculating, he found that the angle of depression was approximately 58.0
degrees. Leo felt proud of himself for using his math skills!

As Leo enjoyed the view, he noticed something shiny in the distance. It looked
like a treasure chest! He decided to investigate. However, to reach the treasure,
he had to descend the cliff carefully. Before he climbed down, he spotted a tree
that was 30 feet tall, standing 100 feet away from the base of the cliff. Leo
thought, "I wonder how high I need to climb down to see the top of that tree from
here?"

Using the Angle of Depression again, Leo set up another challenge. He needed to
find the height of the cliff from which he could see the top of the tree. He knew
the distance to the tree (100 feet) and the height of the tree (30 feet). He set up
the equation:
tan(θ) = Opposite / Adjacent
Here, the opposite side is the height of the cliff minus the height of the tree (h -
30), and the adjacent side is 100 feet. Leo wrote:
 tan(θ) = (h - 30) / 100
He remembered that the angle of depression he calculated earlier was 58.0
degrees. So, he substituted that into the equation:
tan(58.0) = (h - 30) / 100
100 × 1.6 = h - 30
30 +160 = h – 30 + 30
190 = h

After calculating, he found that the height of the cliff from which he could see the
top of the tree was approximately 190 feet.

Feeling accomplished, Leo carefully climbed down the cliff, using his newfound
knowledge of angles to navigate safely. When he reached the ground, he ran
towards the shiny object. To his delight, it was indeed a treasure chest filled with
sparkling gems and ancient coins!

Leo returned home, excited to share his adventure with Mia and the other
townsfolk. He explained how he used the Angle of Depression to solve problems
and find distances. Everyone in Mathville was inspired by Leo's adventure and
wanted to learn more about angles and trigonometry. From that day on, Leo
became known as the "Math Climber," and he continued to explore the world
around him, solving problems and discovering new treasures, all while applying
the lessons he learned about angles and distances. And so, the curious climber
and his friends lived happily ever after, always ready for the next adventure,
armed with the power of math!

THE END

Activity for Students

Title: "Angle of Depression Challenge!"

Instructions:
- Use the tangent function to solve each problem.
- Show your work step by step.
- Be prepared to explain your reasoning to the class!

1. Problem 1: From the top of a 100-foot-tall building, a person sees a car

parked on the ground at an angle of depression of 45 degrees. How far is the car
from the base of the building?

tan(θ) = Opposite / Adjacent

tan(45) =100/Distance
Distance × tan(45) = 100
Distance = 100/tan (45)
 Distance =100/1
Distance =100

2. Problem 2:A bird is flying at a height of 30 meters. If the angle of depression

to a fish in the water is 60 degrees, how far is the fish from the base of the tree
where the bird is perched?

tan(θ) = Opposite / Adjacent

tan (60) = 30/ x
X ×tan (60) = 30
X = 30/tan (60)
X = 30/1.732
X = 17.32

3. Problem 3: A hot air balloon is 200 feet above the ground. If the angle of
depression to a picnic on the ground is 30 degrees, how far is the picnic from the
point directly below the balloon?

tan(θ) = Opposite / Adjacent

Tan(30)= 200/x
X * tan (30) = 200
X = 200/tan (30)
X = 200/0.577
X = 345.62

12.

Lesson
 PROBLEMS
INVOLVING RIGHT
4 TRIANGLES

The objectives of this lesson are to identify the properties of right triangles and apply
trigonometric functions, including sine, cosine, and tangent, to solve real-life problems.
Additionally, the module aims to develop systematic problem-solving skills and utilize angles
of elevation and depression in practical applications. Finally, it encourages self-assessment
of understanding through various tests and exercises.

Title: The Quest for the Right Triangle Treasure

Once upon a time in the land of Mathopia, there lived a group of adventurous
students known as the Triangle Explorers. They were led by their fearless leader,
Captain Angle, who had a passion for solving mysteries involving right triangles.
One sunny morning, Captain Angle gathered his crew to share exciting news: a
treasure map had been discovered, leading to the legendary Right Triangle
Treasure!

The map was filled with strange symbols and angles, and it was said that only
those who mastered the art of trigonometry could unlock the treasure's location.
The crew was thrilled but knew they had to prepare. They gathered in their
classroom, which was transformed into a magical learning space filled with
colorful posters of sine, cosine, and tangent.

To begin their quest, the Triangle Explorers had a training day. They practiced
using the Pythagorean Theorem, measuring the sides of imaginary right triangles
drawn on the ground. “A squared plus B squared equals C squared!” they
chanted, as they calculated the lengths of the sides. They even created a fun
song about the trigonometric functions, dancing around the classroom while
learning how to use sine, cosine, and tangent to solve problems.

As they followed the map, they reached the first challenge: a towering cliff with a
sign that read, “To find the treasure, measure the height of the cliff using the
angle of elevation!” Captain Angle pulled out his trusty protractor and instructed
his crew to stand 30 feet away from the cliff.
They measured the angle of elevation to the top of the cliff and found it to be 60
degrees. They decided to use the tangent function, which relates the angle of
elevation to the opposite side (height of the cliff) and the adjacent side (distance
from the cliff).
 Using the formula:
Tan (θ) = opposite / adjacent
Tan (60) = x/30
30 ×tan (60) = x

30 × 1.723 = x

51.69 = x
The height of the cliff was approximately 52 feet, allowing them to proceed
through the hidden path.

Next, they encountered the River of Reflection, which was wider than they had
imagined. A signpost indicated, “To cross, measure the width using the angle of
depression!” The crew looked at each other, excited for another challenge.

They positioned themselves on one bank and measured the angle of depression
to a point directly across the river, which was 45 degrees. They stood 100 feet
away from the edge of the river. They used the tangent function again, as the
angle of depression creates a right triangle with the width of the river as the
opposite side and the distance from the edge as the adjacent side.
Using the formula:
Tan (θ) = opposite / adjacent
Tan (45) = x/100
100 × tan (45) = x

100 × 1 = x

100 = x
They successfully calculated the width of the river to be 100 feet, allowing them
to build a raft and cross safely.

Finally, they arrived at the entrance of the Cave of Angles, where the treasure
was said to be hidden. But to enter, they had to solve the final puzzle: “What is
the height of the treasure chamber if the angle of elevation from the entrance is
45 degrees and you are standing 20 feet away?” They stood 20 feet away from
the base of the chamber and measured the angle of elevation to the top, which
was 45 degrees. They decided to use the tangent function again, as it relates the
height of the chamber to the distance from the base.

Using the formula:

Tan (θ) = opposite / adjacent

 Tan (45) = x/20
20 × tan (45) = x
20 ×1 = x
20 = x

With the correct height calculated, the cave door opened, revealing the treasure
inside.
With their calculations complete, the cave door creaked open, revealing a
dazzling treasure chest filled with golden protractors, shimmering calculators,
and sparkling math books. The crew erupted in cheers, celebrating their victory.
They realized that the true treasure was not just the gold but the knowledge and
skills they had gained along the way.
The Triangle Explorers returned to Mathopia as heroes, sharing their adventures
and newfound wisdom with their fellow students. They organized a grand
celebration, where everyone danced, sang, and played math games, reinforcing
the importance of teamwork and learning.

Epilogue:
From that day on, the Triangle Explorers continued to embark on new
adventures, solving problems and uncovering the mysteries of mathematics.
They knew that with every right triangle they encountered, they were one step
closer to becoming masters of the mathematical world. And so, the legend of the
Right Triangle Treasure lived on, inspiring future generations of explorers in
Mathopia.
The End.

Problem-Solving Activities
1. A person stands 25 feet away from a tree and measures the angle of elevation
to the top of the tree as 40 degrees. What is the height of the tree? (Use the
tangent function to set up the equation and solve for the height.)

Tan (θ)=opposite/adjacent
Tan (40) = x/25
25 × tan (40) = x
25 ×0.839 = x

20.975 = x
2. A ramp is used to load cargo onto a truck. The ramp is 12 feet long and makes
an angle of elevation of 30 degrees with the ground. How high does the ramp
reach at its highest point? (Use the sine function to set up the equation and
calculate the height.)
 Tan (θ)=opposite/adjacent
Tan (30) = x/12
12 × tan (30) = x
12 ×0.577 = x

6.924 = x
3. From a point on the ground, a person measures the angle of elevation to the
top of a building to be 60 degrees. If the person is standing 50 meters away from
the base of the building, what is the height of the building? (Use the tangent
function to set up the equation and solve for the height.)

Tan (θ)=opposite/adjacent
Tan (60) = x/50
50 ×tan (60) = x
50 × 1.732 = x

86.6 = x
4. A pilot is flying at an altitude of 1,500 feet. The angle of depression to a point
on the ground is 20 degrees. How far is the point on the ground from the point
directly below the plane? (Use the tangent function to set up the equation and
calculate the horizontal distance.)

Tan (θ)=opposite/adjacent
Tan (20) = 1,500/ x
X × tan (20) =1,500
X =1,500/tan (20)
X = 1,500/0.364
X = 4,120.879
5. A flagpole casts a shadow that is 15 feet long. If the angle of elevation of the
sun is 45 degrees, what is the height of the flagpole? (Use the tangent function
to set up the equation and solve for the height.)

Tan (θ)=opposite/adjacent
Tan (45) = x/15
15 × tan (45) = x
15 × 1= x

15 = x

11.

Lesson
Law of Sines and
5 Cosines
 If any three of the six measures of the triangle given, provided at least one measure is
a side, then the three other measures can be found. An oblique triangle is a triangle that does
not have a right angle. There are laws or formulas that describes the relationship between the
angles and the sides of an oblique triangle. These are the Laws of Sines and the Laws of
Cosines.
Alright, gather ‘round, adventurers, for a tale of secret formulas and hidden triangles
in the mystical land of Trigonometry! Our story features two ancient laws, the Law of Sines
and the Law of Cosines, passed down through generations of mathematicians. These aren’t
just any rules; they’re the keys to unlocking the mysteries of any triangle, even the ones that
aren’t right triangles!

The Tale of the Oblique Triangle and the Two Wise Laws

In the vast kingdom of Geometry, there lived a peculiar group of triangles called
Oblique Triangles. These triangles were different from their cousins, the Right Triangles,
because they didn’t have a 90-degree angle. They were mysterious and misunderstood, but
they held secrets that could solve great puzzles.

One day, a group of young mathematicians approached the Wise Triangle Council.
“We’ve mastered solving Right Triangles using trigonometric functions,” they said. “But
how do we solve triangles that don’t have right angles?”

The council smiled and said, “Ah, you seek the wisdom of the Law of Sines and the
Law of Cosines. These laws are ancient and powerful—they can help you uncover the secrets
of any triangle, right or oblique, as long as you know at least three pieces of information
about it.”
The mathematicians were intrigued. “Tell us more!” they said.

What is an Oblique Triangle?

The council explained: “An oblique triangle is any triangle that doesn’t have a right angle. It
can be acute (all angles less than 90°) or obtuse (one angle greater than 90°). Solving these
triangles means finding their unknown sides or angles.”

“But how do we do that?” asked one young mathematician.

“With two magical tools,” replied the council. “Let us introduce you to the Law of Sines and
the Law of Cosines.”
The first law was the Law of Sines, a harmonious rule that connects the angles and sides of
any triangle. The council explained:
“In every triangle, whether it’s right or oblique, there’s a special relationship between each
side and its opposite angle. The ratio of a side to the sine of its opposite angle is always equal
for all three sides.”
They wrote down the formula:
a b c
= =
sin ( A ) sin ( B ) sin ( C )

“With this law,” they said, “you can solve triangles when you know two angles and one side
(AAS or ASA) or two sides and a non-included angle (SSA).”

The young mathematicians confused,

“What are the AAS, ASA and SSA?”

The council chuckled and explain..
They are the three cases! Let me explain the SAA or the Side-Angle-Angle Case

The council showed an illustration:

Identify the given!

The given was the side c which is equal to 20, the angle B which is 100° and the angle C
which is 50°
We’re going to find side a, side b and the angle A.
“which do you think of the following missing parts of an oblique triangle were easy to find?”
the council asked.
The young mathematicians just listened and didn’t answer.
“The angle A!” the council answered.
“You see, notice that the triangle has a total of 180°, and two angles are given which was the
the angle B and C that have a total of 150°, How much more is needed to make 180?"
“30°!” The mathematicians answered.
“Fantastic! Now we have already angle A which is 30°”
The missing parts now are side a and b.
Now we can use the law of sines:

We can convert those angles to radians in order to solve the equation more easily.

Solve for a:

multiply both sides by sin(A) since side a is needed to find.

Substitute the known values.
0.5 10
a=20 × ≈ ≈13.05
0.7660 0.7660
So side a is approximately 13.05 units.

Solve for b:

0.9848 19.696
b=20 × ≈ ≈25.71
0.7660 0.7660
So, side b is approximately 25.71 units.

Now, I am going to introduce you the SSA Case!

Given: Missing Parts:

Using the Law of Sines: Rearrange to find sin(C)

Plug in the values:

Calculate the sine value of 35°

Find angle C by taking the inverse sine (arcsin):

Find angle B:
Since we have our angle A and C which has the total of 94.4°, we need 85.6° to make it 180°
since the triangle has 180°.
So basically, angle B is indeed 85.6°.

Find side b using Law of Sine.

Calculate sin(85.6°) ≈ 099.69

Law of Cosines
formula:
2 2 2
c =a + b −2 ab • cos ( C )

“And if you rearrange it,” they added, “you can also find angles!”

The Quest for the Hidden Treasure

In the ancient kingdom of Trigon, there was a renowned explorer named Captain
Trigonius. Captain Trigonius possessed a map that led to the legendary “Gem of Geometry,”
a treasure said to grant its owner the ability to solve any spatial puzzle. But the map wasn’t
complete; it had missing pieces that only the Law of Cosines could reveal. The kingdom was
divided into terrains shaped like triangles, each with its own challenges. The first terrain,
“The Cliffs of Pythagoras,” was straightforward. As students, we’ve been told that if we
know two sides of a right triangle, we can easily find the third using the Pythagorean
Theorem c² = a² + b².
But what about triangles that aren’t right triangles?
Here came the main problem, which was, “what if the treasure is hidden in a land
where triangles aren’t right, and the angles aren’t a perfect 90 degrees?”. This is where the
Law of Cosines comes to play.
Unveiling the Law of Cosines
Captain Trigonius needed a method to find distances and angles in these treacherous
triangles. The Law of Cosines was just that.

“The Law of Cosines,” our captain exclaimed, “is like the Pythagorean Theorem but
upgraded! It works for any triangle, not just right triangles. It connects the sides and angles in
a way that unlocks the unknown.”

He showed the crew the formula:

2 2 2
c =a + b −2 ab • cos ( C )
“See,” Captain Trigonius explained, “if you know two sides and the angle between them
(SAS), or all three sides (SSS), this law can find the missing side or angle.”
Decoding the Treasure Map
The map showed a triangular island. The sides were marked 8 leagues and 6 leagues, but the
angle between these sides was an irregular 60 degrees. The missing side C
C would lead directly to the treasure.

“Alright, crew,” the captain announced, “let’s find the length of the missing side using the
Law of Cosines!”

He plugged the values into the formula:

And quickly calculated:

“The missing side is approximately 7.21 leagues!” shouted the navigator.

Navigating the Treacherous Triangle
Following the calculated side, they faced their final challenge—a chasm with a rope bridge.
To cross safely, they needed to know the angle at which the bridge connected to the other
side of the chasm.

They knew the three sides of the triangle formed by the chasm: 8 leagues, 6 leagues, and the
newly found 7.21 leagues. To find the angle, they needed to rearrange the Law of Cosines:
Plugging the known sides:

Then, they found the angle C using the inverse cosine: Then, they found the
angle C using the inverse cosine:

“The angle is almost exactly 60 degrees!” exclaimed the captain. Confident in their

calculations, they adjusted the bridge perfectly.

With the Law of Cosines as their guide, Captain Trigonius and his crew successfully crossed
the chasm and located the Gem of Geometry. The treasure, however, was more than just a
shiny jewel; it was the knowledge and skill to solve any spatial puzzle.
The Law of Cosines isn’t just a formula; it’s a powerful tool that allows us to unlock the
secrets of the world around us. Just like Captain Trigonius and his crew, we can use it to
solve any triangle and uncover hidden treasures!

Practice Problems using Law of Sine

Problem 1:
In triangle ABC, angle A = 30°, angle B = 45°, and side a = 6 units. Find side b.
Problem 2:
In triangle XYZ, angle X = 60°, angle Y = 75°, and side x = 10 units. Find side y.
Problem 3:
In triangle PQR, side p = 8 units, side q = 5 units, and angle P = 50°. Find angle Q.
Problem 4:
In triangle DEF, side d = 12 units, angle D = 40°, and angle E = 60°. Find side e.
Problem 5:
In triangle LMN, side l = 7 units, angle L = 35°, and angle M = 80°. Find side m.

Practice Problems using Law of Cosine:

Problem 1: Building Design
A building designer wants to create a triangular roof with two sides of equal length (8
meters). The angle between these two sides is 60°. What is the length of the third side of the
roof?

Problem 2: Surveying
A surveyor is measuring the distance between two landmarks. She measures the distance
from landmark A to a reference point as 10 meters, and from landmark B to the same
reference point as 12 meters. The angle between these two lines is 45°. What is the distance
between landmarks A and B?

Key Terms

1. Triangle: A polygon with three sides and three angles.

2. Angle: A measure of the amount of rotation between two lines or planes that intersect.
3. Side: A line segment that makes up one of the edges of a triangle.
4. Opposite side: The side of a triangle that is opposite a given angle.
5. Adjacent side: The side of a triangle that is next to a given angle.
6. Hypotenuse: The longest side of a right triangle, opposite the right angle.
7. Sine (sin): A trigonometric function that relates the ratio of the length of the opposite side
to the length of the hypotenuse.
8. Cosine (cos): A trigonometric function that relates the ratio of the length of the adjacent
side to the length of the hypotenuse.

11.

Lesson
 Problems Involving Oblique
6 Triangles