Right-Angled Triangle Solver
Enter any two values (at least one must be a side) to solve the triangle.
Calculation Results
Understanding Right-Angled Trigonometry
A right-angled triangle is a polygon with three sides and three angles, where one of the angles is exactly 90 degrees. Trigonometry is the branch of mathematics that studies the relationships between the lengths of these sides and the angles between them.
The Fundamental Formulas
To solve for unknown parts of a right triangle, we primarily use the Pythagorean Theorem and the three basic trigonometric ratios:
- Pythagorean Theorem: a² + b² = c² (where c is the hypotenuse).
- Sine (sin): Opposite / Hypotenuse (sin A = a / c).
- Cosine (cos): Adjacent / Hypotenuse (cos A = b / c).
- Tangent (tan): Opposite / Adjacent (tan A = a / b).
Common Triangle Examples
The "3-4-5" triangle is the most famous example of a right triangle. If Side a = 3 and Side b = 4, the hypotenuse Side c will always be 5. The angles in such a triangle are approximately 36.87° and 53.13°.
How to Use This Calculator
This tool is designed to save time on complex geometry homework or engineering tasks. Simply input any two known dimensions. Note that you must provide at least one side length; providing only two angles is not enough to determine the size of the triangle, as infinite triangles can share the same angles (similar triangles).
Why Trigonometry Matters
Beyond the classroom, trigonometry is used in architecture to calculate roof slopes, in navigation to determine distances across oceans, and in physics to understand wave patterns and projectile motion.