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For solving a side in right triangles how do we know if it’s multiplying or dividing?

User Rajan Maheshwari
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1 Answer

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25 votes

Step-by-step explanation:

It can be misleading to try to think in terms of "multiplying" or "dividing". There is a tendency to try to remember a procedure for solving problems. It can be more useful to remember the relationships involved in a problem.

Once you have an equation based on the relationships, you make use of the rules of algebra to solve it. Sometimes multiplication is involved; sometimes division.

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The trig relations are summarized in the mnemonic SOH CAH TOA. This is intended to remind you ...

Sin = Opposite/Hypotenuse

Cos = Adjacent/Hypotenuse

Tan = Opposite/Adjacent

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The rules of algebra tell you that these equations can be multiplied by the denominator to eliminate the fractions:

Hypotenuse × Sin = Opposite

Hypotenuse × Cos = Adjacent

Adjacent × Tan = Opposite

Solving any of these equations may involve multiplication, or it may involve division, depending on what you have and what you're solving for.

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In short, remember SOH CAH TOA and the general rules of solving equations. That will tell you whether you need to multiply or divide.

User Zebapy
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3.0k points
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