How Do Theta, Opposite Side, and Hypotenuse Relate in Trigonometry?

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The discussion centers on the relationship between the angle theta and the sides of a right triangle in trigonometry, specifically focusing on the sine function. The sine of an angle theta is defined as the ratio of the opposite side length to the hypotenuse length, expressed as sin(theta) = opposite/hypotenuse. This ratio remains constant for a given angle, regardless of the triangle's size. The conversation also touches on the definitions of cosine and tangent, reinforcing the foundational concepts of trigonometric functions.

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  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions: sine, cosine, and tangent
  • Basic knowledge of ratios and their mathematical significance
  • Ability to visualize and interpret angles in geometric contexts
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(the x , after the sin is the representation of angle in theta) and it also means ( opposite side length/ hypotenuse side length )

how are these things related ? i mean the angle in theta , the opposite side length / hypotenuse side length ... ??
 
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For a given angle theta, the ratio of those two sides is always the same, no matter how large the triangle is. The relation between the two is the sine function by definition.
 
thanks ,

if you take a sin x , which is sin theta ... it means ... opposite side length / hypotenuse side length ...

the change in the angle is basically going to have no effects at all on the length of the sides of the right angled triangle ... right ?

also at the same time the ratio simply means ,opposite side length / hypotenuse side length ... right ?

for example ,

if you take sin x , and you are given the measurement of the sides of the right angled triangle ...

it again simply means , sin x is opposite side length / hypotenuse side length ...my problem was , i have always seen this like some sort of propagation of values ...

i still don't know why i see this ratio , opposite side length / hypotenuse side length like some sort of value that propagates ...

it is simply a constant value , or ratio of the outer lengths of the right angled triangle depending on the sine , cosine or tan function ??

which is also the ,

sin x , opposite side length/ hypotenuse side length
cos x , adjacent side length / hypotenuse side length
tan x , opposite side length / adjacent side length??
 
Last edited by a moderator:
rosekidcute said:
the change in the angle is basically going to have no effects at all on the length of the sides of the right angled triangle ... right ?
Which change? If you change the angle, the ratio changes as well.
rosekidcute said:
also at the same time the ratio simply means ,opposite side length / hypotenuse side length ... right ?
Yes, that's the ratio we are talking about.
rosekidcute said:
i have always seen this like some sort of propagation of values
What does that mean?
rosekidcute said:
it is simply a constant value , or ratio of the outer lengths of the right angled triangle depending on the sine , cosine or tan function ??
I don't understand that question.
rosekidcute said:
sin x , opposite side length/ hypotenuse side length
cos x , adjacent side length / hypotenuse side length
tan x , opposite side length / adjacent side length
That is the definition of the functions sine, cosine and tangent. Well, one of many possible equivalent definitions.[/size]

Do you understand what a function is?
 
thanks for the answers ... i have few more questions ...

i am really trying to understand a few things from the basics ...

i don't really understand what the word ratio , means in a triangle ...are we trying to find the length of that line passing between the

sin x , opposite side length/ hypotenuse side length
cos x , adjacent side length / hypotenuse side length
tan x , opposite side length / adjacent side length

?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I don't understand your question.

Consider the angle at the lower left in the 3/4/5 triangle (right side of your picture). The length of the opposite side is 4, the length of the hypotenuse is 5. The ratio of side lengths is 4/5=0.8.
 
thanks for making that part clear ... i was confused a lot about that particular part ...

i even had to look up the definitions of the word ratio itself ...

In mathematics, a ratio is a relationship between two numbers indicating how many times the first number contains the second
 
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