Right Triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem

Right Triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem

9th Grade · Math · 45 min

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Learning Objective

I can use the Pythagorean theorem to find the missing side length of a right triangle.

  • 1

    The acronym SOH CAH TOA is a helpful way to remember the trigonometric ratios: Sine = Opposite/Hypotenuse, Cosine = Adjacent/Hypotenuse, Tangent = Opposite/Adjacent.

  • 2

    To find a missing side of a right triangle using trigonometry, first identify the angle and the two sides you are given, then choose the appropriate trigonometric function.

  • 3

    If the variable is in the denominator, you must multiply both sides by the variable before isolating it; if the variable is in the numerator, you must multiply both sides by the denominator to isolate the variable.