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Right Triangle Side Angle Calculator

Right Triangle Formula:

\[ \text{side} = \text{hypotenuse} \times \cos(\theta) \]

m
degrees

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1. What is the Right Triangle Side Angle Calculation?

The right triangle side angle calculation determines the length of the adjacent side when given the hypotenuse and an angle. This is a fundamental trigonometric relationship in right-angled triangles.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the trigonometric cosine formula:

\[ \text{side} = \text{hypotenuse} \times \cos(\theta) \]

Where:

Explanation: The cosine of an angle in a right triangle equals the ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse.

3. Importance of Right Triangle Calculations

Details: These calculations are essential in fields like architecture, engineering, physics, and computer graphics where right triangles frequently appear in problem-solving.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter hypotenuse length in meters and angle in degrees (must be between 0 and 90). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use this for non-right triangles?
A: No, this specific formula only works for right-angled triangles. For other triangles, you would need to use the Law of Cosines.

Q2: What if my angle is exactly 90 degrees?
A: At 90 degrees, the adjacent side length would be zero since cos(90°) = 0.

Q3: How accurate are the results?
A: The calculator provides results accurate to 4 decimal places, sufficient for most practical applications.

Q4: Can I calculate the opposite side instead?
A: Yes, but you would need to use the sine function instead: opposite = hypotenuse × sin(θ).

Q5: What units should I use?
A: The calculator uses meters, but any consistent unit can be used as long as you maintain the same unit throughout.

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