Question 22·Easy·Right Triangles and Trigonometry
In right triangle shown, the lengths of the sides are labeled in the figure.
Which choice gives the value of ?
For right-triangle trig questions, first find the hypotenuse by locating the side opposite the right angle. Then, for the requested angle, identify the opposite side (across from the angle) and plug into the correct ratio: , , .
Hints
Start with the definition of sine
Use .
Find the hypotenuse from the right angle
The hypotenuse is the side opposite the right angle (the angle).
Locate the opposite side
For , find the side directly across from vertex in the figure.
Desmos Guide
Compute candidate ratios
In Desmos, enter the expressions 5/13 and 12/13 to see their decimal values.
Match the numerator to the opposite side
Use the figure to decide whether the side opposite is the leg labeled 5 or the leg labeled 12.
Choose the matching option
Select the answer choice that equals , since 13 is the hypotenuse.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify the opposite side and hypotenuse
Because is a right angle, the side opposite it, , is the hypotenuse, so . For , the side across from is , so .
Use the sine ratio
So the correct choice is .