Question 28·Easy·Right Triangles and Trigonometry
A hiking trail rises 9 meters from point to point while moving 12 meters horizontally.
Assume the trail is a straight line segment between and , forming a right triangle with the horizontal ground. Let be the angle the trail makes with the horizontal.
Which choice is the value of ?
When asked for a trig value like , first identify which sides of the right triangle you have. If the hypotenuse isn’t given, find it with the Pythagorean theorem, then apply and simplify.
Hints
Draw the right triangle
Treat the 9-meter rise as one leg and the 12-meter horizontal distance as the other leg of a right triangle.
Find the hypotenuse
Use the Pythagorean theorem to find the length of the trail segment (the hypotenuse).
Compute
Use and simplify the fraction.
Desmos Guide
Compute the hypotenuse
In Desmos, enter sqrt(9^2+12^2) to compute the hypotenuse length.
Compute the sine ratio
Enter 9/(sqrt(9^2+12^2)) to compute .
Match to an answer choice
Convert the result to an exact fraction (or simplify ) and select the matching option.
Step-by-step Explanation
Find the hypotenuse
The vertical rise and horizontal run are the legs of a right triangle, so the hypotenuse is
Use the definition of sine
Here, .
So the correct choice is .