Mastering SOHCAHTOA | Understanding Trigonometry Using Mnemonic Device for Right Triangles

SOHCAHTOA

SOHCAHTOA is a mnemonic device used in trigonometry to remember relationships between the sides and angles of right triangles

SOHCAHTOA is a mnemonic device used in trigonometry to remember relationships between the sides and angles of right triangles. Each letter in the word represents a trigonometric function:

– S stands for sine (sin)
– O stands for opposite
– H stands for hypotenuse
– C stands for cosine (cos)
– A stands for adjacent
– T stands for tangent (tan)
– O stands for opposite
– A stands for adjacent

The trigonometric functions sine, cosine, and tangent are ratios of the sides of a right triangle. The relationship between the sides and angles of a right triangle can be expressed using these functions:

– Sine (sin): The sine of an angle is equal to the length of the side opposite the angle divided by the length of the hypotenuse.
– Cosine (cos): The cosine of an angle is equal to the length of the side adjacent to the angle divided by the length of the hypotenuse.
– Tangent (tan): The tangent of an angle is equal to the length of the side opposite the angle divided by the length of the side adjacent to the angle.

By using SOHCAHTOA, you can remember which function to use based on the given information about the right triangle. For example, if you know the length of the opposite side and the hypotenuse, you can use the sine function (SOH) to find the angle. Similarly, if you know the lengths of the adjacent side and the hypotenuse, you can use the cosine function (CAH) to find the angle. And if you know the lengths of the opposite and adjacent sides, you can use the tangent function (TOA) to find the angle.

Overall, SOHCAHTOA is a useful mnemonic that simplifies the process of solving trigonometric problems involving right triangles.

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