Very simple Trig question about adjacent sides

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of adjacent sides in the context of right triangles, specifically addressing the confusion surrounding angles at 90 degrees. Participants clarify that while two sides are adjacent to any angle, the focus is typically on the acute angles in a right triangle, not the right angle itself. The term "adjacent side" refers to the sides that are not the hypotenuse, emphasizing the importance of understanding triangle properties in trigonometry.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic trigonometric concepts
  • Familiarity with right triangle properties
  • Knowledge of acute and obtuse angles
  • Basic geometry terminology
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of right triangles in trigonometry
  • Learn about the definitions and applications of adjacent and opposite sides
  • Explore the concept of hypotenuse in various triangle types
  • Investigate the relationship between angles and side lengths in trigonometric functions
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Students of mathematics, educators teaching geometry and trigonometry, and anyone seeking to clarify concepts related to right triangles and their properties.

Liam C
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What is the adjacent side to an angle at 90 degrees? Aren't two sides adjacent to it?
 
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Liam C said:
What is the adjacent side to an angle at 90 degrees? Aren't two sides adjacent to it?
Yes, but the usual context is that we're interested in one of the acute angles in a right triangle, not the right angle.
 
Mark44 said:
Yes, but the usual context is that we're interested in one of the acute angles in a right triangle, not the right angle.
Thank you.
 
Liam C said:
What is the adjacent side to an angle at 90 degrees? Aren't two sides adjacent to it?
There's two adjacent sides to every angle.
 
SteamKing said:
There's two adjacent sides to every angle.
Lol, well yes, but what I meant to say was, and what I think was implied was, "Aren't there two adjacent sides, neither of which are the hypotenuse?"
 
Liam C said:
Lol, well yes, but what I meant to say was, and what I think was implied was, "Aren't there two adjacent sides, neither of which are the hypotenuse?"
Yep.
 
SteamKing said:
Yep.
God, I'm bad with humour.
 
Liam C said:
What is the adjacent side to an angle at 90 degrees? Aren't two sides adjacent to it?

Consider what happens if you start with an angle less than 90 and then increase it so that it approaches 90.
 

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