Simple Geometry or Trig Question

  • Context: High School 
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    Geometry Trig
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a geometry problem related to a right triangle, specifically focusing on finding the height of the triangle given certain parameters. The context includes programming 3D worlds, which necessitates an understanding of basic trigonometry and geometry.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a right triangle with a right angle at (0,0) and a 45-degree angle at the far right, with an adjacent side length of 50, seeking to determine the height of the triangle.
  • Another participant asserts that in a 45-degree right triangle, the opposite side (height) is equal to the adjacent side, concluding that the height is also 50, and provides a mathematical justification using the tangent function.
  • A third participant expresses confusion regarding the mathematical explanation and indicates a need for further study.
  • A fourth participant corrects the terminology used, stating that it should be "right triangle" and "right angle" instead of "right handed."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the clarity of the mathematical explanation, as one participant expresses confusion and a desire for further learning. There is also a correction regarding terminology, indicating a minor disagreement on language use.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the properties of right triangles and the application of trigonometric functions, which may not be fully explored or resolved in the posts.

chanson
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Hey guys, i am starting to program 3D worlds and got stuck on math... lol go figure.

This should be simple and I am completely embarassed to post this. But I am trying to find the height of my triange on one side. Here is the info i have, too bad I can't draw.

It's a right handed triangle, where the right hand angle is on point (0,0). Leaving the far right angle being 45deg. With that being said the Adjacent to length is 50. I neet figure out how tall the triangle is. I hope you can imagine this in your head.

What method to I apply to solve this? Thank you! :) The only method I can remember from high school is a2 + b2 = c2... pathagreon?!

I think to solve the problem i need to use sin or cos in some fashion.
 
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If it has a 45 degree angle and a right angle then both the adjacent side and the opposite side will be equal so the opposite length (height) will be 50 as well. You could still do it mathematically though...

[tex]\tan\theta=\frac{\text{opp}}{\text{adj}} \Rightarrow \tan45=1=\frac{\text{opp}}{50}[/tex]

So you can see that the opposite side is 50 as well.
 
Wow now I feel even more silly!

The math didn't quite compute w/ me. I think I am going to have to go take a class again :-S
 
By the way- it is simply "right triangle" and "right angle", not "right handed".
 

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