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What sides are the Adjacent, Hypotenuse, Opposite?

What sides are the Adjacent, Hypotenuse, Opposite?-example-1
User Shmuel
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1 Answer

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Answer:

  • sin(Z) = 9/15 = 3/5
  • cos(Z) = 12/15 = 4/5

Explanation:

The hypotenuse is the longest side, XZ (15). It is opposite the right angle (Y).

The segments adjacent to Z are the ones with Z in their name: ZX and ZY. When we talk about the "side" or "leg" adjacent to Z, we are usually not interested in the hypotenuse ZX. We refer to that as the "hypotenuse." So, the side or leg "adjacent" to Z is ZY, of length 12.

The segment opposite to Z is the one that does not have Z in its name: XY.

sin(Z) = Opposite/Hypotenuse = XY/XZ = 9/15 = 3/5

cos(Z) = Adjacent/Hypotenuse = YZ/XZ = 12/15 = 4/5

User Matt Mullens
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