Question

if you are given the two sides that are not the hypotenuse, which trig function should you use?
cosine
sine
tangent

Explanation:

Step1: Recall trigonometric function definitions

In a right - triangle, \(\sin\theta=\frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}}\), \(\cos\theta=\frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}}\), \(\tan\theta=\frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}}\).

Step2: Analyze when hypotenuse is not involved

If we are given two non - hypotenuse sides (opposite and adjacent to an angle), from \(\tan\theta=\frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}}\), we use the tangent function.

Answer:

C. tangent