G.4 - 6 Setting up Trigonometric Ratios

Topic:
Ratios

Steps to set up an equation using trig ratios to find missing side lengths in right triangles.

  • Label the side you're trying to find with x.
  • Use opposite, adjacent, or hypotenuse to label the side you know & the side you want to find.
  • Choose the trig ratio that involves the two sides you just labeled.
  • Set up an equation using the trig ratio you choose by filling in the angle and side length you know and x for the side you don't know.

Let's use the steps from above to set up the equation to find the length of BC.

Now you try the steps above to write an equation to find side AC.

Write an equation to find the length of DE.

Write an equation to find the length of BC.

Write an equation to find how far off the ground the kite is.