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Solving Right Triangles definitions

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  • Right Triangle
    A geometric figure with one 90-degree angle and two other angles that sum to 90 degrees.
  • Hypotenuse
    The longest side in a right triangle, always opposite the right angle.
  • SOHCAHTOA
    A mnemonic device linking sine, cosine, and tangent to side ratios in right triangles.
  • Sine
    A trigonometric function representing the ratio of the side opposite an angle to the hypotenuse.
  • Cosine
    A trigonometric function representing the ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse.
  • Tangent
    A trigonometric function representing the ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side.
  • Inverse Sine
    A function used to determine an angle when the ratio of opposite side to hypotenuse is known.
  • Inverse Cosine
    A function used to determine an angle when the ratio of adjacent side to hypotenuse is known.
  • Pythagorean Theorem
    A relationship stating that the sum of the squares of the two shorter sides equals the square of the hypotenuse.
  • Complementary Angles
    Two angles in a right triangle whose measures add up to 90 degrees.
  • Adjacent Side
    The side next to a given angle in a right triangle, but not the hypotenuse.
  • Opposite Side
    The side across from a given angle in a right triangle.
  • Degree Mode
    A calculator setting ensuring trigonometric calculations use degrees rather than radians.
  • Reference Angle
    An angle in a right triangle used as the basis for applying trigonometric functions.
  • Side Length
    A measurement of one of the edges of a triangle, crucial for solving triangle problems.