# Math Help - trigonometry

1. ## trigonometry

please help! i need to know about trigonometry as i do not get the sin, cos and tan...
what does it mean, how do i get it and when od i imply it? thanks a bunch! (no sarcasm)

graffitixgirl

2. Originally Posted by Graffitixgirl

please help! i need to know about trigonometry as i do not get the sin, cos and tan...
what does it mean, how do i get it and when od i imply it? thanks a bunch! (no sarcasm)

graffitixgirl
Code:
  |\
|  \
A |   \   C
|    \
|___x_\
B

The best thing to do will be to post the problems here that you are struggling with, but I can fill you in on the basics.

Observe the triangle above.

C is the hypotenuse of the triangle, and $x$ is the angle opposite side A.

Sin

The sin of an angle is equal to the side opposite the angle, divided by the hypotenuse.

$sin x = \frac{Opp}{Hyp} = \frac{A}{C}$

Cos

The cos of an angle is equal to the side adjacent to the angle, divided by the hypotenuse.

$cos x = \frac{Adj}{Hyp} = \frac{B}{C}$

Tan

The tan of an angle is equal to the side opposite the angle, divided by the adjacent angle.

$tan x = \frac{Opp}{Adj} = \frac{A}{B}$

You have to know these identities by heart.

Post questions of specific problems you do not understand too.