Trigonometric Ratios of Acute Angles

For the reference angle θ in a right-angled

triangle as shown, we name the sides as:
 hypotenuse (opposite the right angle)
 adjacent ("next to" θ )
 opposite ("opposite to" θ )

We define the trigonometric ratios as:

Trigonometric ratios can also be used to find unknown angles in right-angled triangles.

This requires the use of inverse trigonometric functions: .

Example:

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Study the working for the Worked Example carefully. Explanation for the steps are provided in blue
fonts.

Worked Example

Four points A, B, C and D are on level ground. D is due north of B. C and B are both due east of A.
ABC is a straight line. AB = 22 km, BD = 19 km, ∠ ABD=90° and ∠ BCD=34 ° . Calculate
(a) distance DC,
(b) angle of ADC. D

19 km

34o
C
A 22 km B

Solution:
DB
(a) sin 34º = [use the Sine ratio for triangle BDC]
DC
19
sin 34º = [substitute the given value of DB]
DC
19
DC = [manipulate the equation to make DC the subject]
sin 34°

= 33.978 [use your calculator to evaluate]

= 34.0 cm ( to 3 sig. fig.)

(b) ADC = ADB + BDC

BDC = 180° ̶ 90° ̶ 34° [no need to use trigonometry to find this angle since we can use the sum of
angles in a triangle to do so]
= 56°
22
tan ADB = [use the Tangent ratio for triangle ADB]
19
22
ADB = tan -1 ( ¿ [use the inverse tangent function to find ADC on your calculator]
19

ADB = 49.2° (to 1 decimal place)

ADC = 49.2° + 56°

= 105.2°

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Now you are ready to work on some practice questions independently. Print and complete Pages 3 to 5
of this document.

Name: ________________________________ ( ) Date: __________________

Class: Sec 2 _________________

Practice Questions

1. Find the acute angle in each of the following, giving your answers correct to 1 decimal place.

(a) 3 sin θ = 2.7

(b)

(c)

[(a) 64.2° (b) 81.7° (c) 29.2°]

2. Find the value of p. All dimensions are in cm.

(a) (b) (c)

7
p p
8 p 5
10
45o
5

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 [(a) 9.43 cm (b) 45.6o (c) 7.07 cm]

3. In the diagram, ABC and BED are straight lines. Given that CBD = 90°, BE = 2 m,
BC = 5 m, AE = 6 m and angle BDC = 35°,
calculate
D
(a) AB,
(b) CD,
(c) ED,
(d)  BDA.
35

E
6
2

C 5 B A

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 ∠ BDA =38. 4 °
[(a) AB = 5.65 m (b) CD = 8.72 m (c) ED = 5.14 m (d) ]

4. In the diagram APB is a straight line, ∠ ABC =90 ° , AC = 17 cm, AP = 9 cm and

the area of Δ APC = 36 cm2.

Calculate C
(a) BC,
(b) PB,
(c) ∠ ACB , 17
(d) ∠ ACP .

A B
9 P

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[(a) BC = 8 cm (b) PB = 6 cm (c) 61. 9° (d) 25 ° ]

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