How to Solve Right Triangles with Trig Functions 3

[tinsleyd1]

@skatebmoss

I also got 2.45. I think he entered it in his calculator wrong. I used the Pythagorean theorem once I got X which is a lot easier to me.

[tinsleyd1]

@skatebmoss

I also got 2.45. I think he entered it in his calculator wrong. I used the Pythagorean once I got X which is a lot easier to me.

[Cdbrieschke]

I am confused on how to determine which angle to start the cos and sin on, before you started talking I was going to do cos55* = 3.5/X.

[mathwithmrv]

@Cdbrieschke Good question ... If you use the 55 degree angle at the top (Z), then the 3.5 side becomes the "opposite leg" because it is directly across from the angle you chose. The Y leg becomes the "adjacent" one because it runs right into the angle Z. When you think about the trig ratios, remember that sine is opposite/hypotenuse and cosine is adjacent/hypotenuse. So, if you still want to use the Z angle, 55 degrees, then your equation becomes SIN55 = 3.5/X. Make sense? Terry V

[digitalghost81]

Thanks for the lesson. I now have a better idea of how to solve right triangles. I needed to learn for a exam test withy SMUD.

[madea25]

ur the BEST!!!! i whish u were my math teacher!!!

[mathwithmrv]

@madea25 Thanks for the compliment. It is great to hear from students that my videos help them understand the concepts. You CAN be one of my students, if you need a tutor. . . or if you know anyone else who is struggling. Just go to my website and fill out a form that your parents or you can complete to find my contact information. The first lesson is FREE! Thanks again for watching. Terry V