Very simple Trig question about adjacent sides

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of adjacent sides in the context of a right triangle, particularly focusing on the angle at 90 degrees. Participants explore the definitions and implications of adjacency in relation to acute angles and the right angle itself.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that there are two sides adjacent to any angle, including the right angle.
  • Others clarify that the usual context involves focusing on one of the acute angles in a right triangle, not the right angle itself.
  • A participant emphasizes that while two sides are adjacent, they are referring specifically to the sides that are not the hypotenuse.
  • One participant introduces a thought experiment about increasing an angle from less than 90 degrees to approach 90 degrees, suggesting a deeper exploration of the concept.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definition of adjacent sides in relation to the right angle, indicating that there is no consensus on how to interpret adjacency in this context.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the ambiguity surrounding the definition of adjacent sides, particularly in relation to the right angle versus acute angles.

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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