Math

Sine cosine tangent.

Definition

The three primary trigonometric ratios for a right triangle. Sine is the ratio of the opposite side to the hypotenuse, cosine is adjacent over hypotenuse, and tangent is opposite over adjacent. These ratios are the foundation of trigonometry.

Examples

Real-world.

  • 1 In a right triangle with opposite = 3, adjacent = 4, hypotenuse = 5: sin = 3/5, cos = 4/5, tan = 3/4
  • 2 Finding the height of a building by measuring the angle of elevation and distance from the base
Key Fact

SOH-CAH-TOA: Sin = Opposite/Hypotenuse, Cos = Adjacent/Hypotenuse, Tan = Opposite/Adjacent

Studied in

1 unit use this concept.