MATHEMATICS 9

QUARTER 4: MODULE 1

TRIANGLE
TRIGONOMETRY

SELF-LEARNING MODULE
 LESSON 1
THE SIX TRIGONOMETRIC RATIOS:
SINE, COSINE, TANGENT, COTANGENT, SECANT
AND COSECANT

Content Standard

The learner demonstrates understanding of the basic concepts of trigonometry.

Performance Standard

The learner is able to apply the concepts of trigonometric ratios to formulate and solve real-life
problems with precision and accuracy.

Learning Competencies
• Illustrates the six trigonometric ratios: sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant and cosecant.

Objectives
After using this module, the learner is expected to:
• Illustrates the six trigonometric ratios.
• Applies trigonometric ratios in solving for the missing parts.
• Solves problem involving the six trigonometric ratios.
Pre-Assessment:
Direction: Answer the following questions. Write the letter of the correct answer before each
number.
__________ 1. Given a right triangle, what is the ratio of the opposite side to the hypotenuse.
A. sine B. cosine C. tangent D. cotangent
__________ 2. Which of the following is the ratio of tangent?
ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒 ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡
A. B. C. D.
𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒
__________ 3. Which of the following is the reciprocal of cosecant?
A. sine B. cosine C. tangent D. cotangent
For items 4 and 5, refer to the given figure at the right.
__________ 4. cot 𝜃 = __________
3 3
A. 4 C. 5
5 5
B. 4 D. 3
__________ 5. Determine the degree measure of 𝜃.
A. 50° C. 56°
B. 53° D. 59°
__________ 6. The ratio between the hypotenuse and the adjacent side of the given angle in a right
triangle is ___________.
A. cosine B. secant C. tangent D. sine
__________ 7. Which of the following is the reciprocal of tangent?
A. cosine B. cosecant C. cotangent D. sine
For items 8 – 10, refer to the given figure at the right.
__________ 8. Find the exact value of cos 𝐸.
12 13
A. C.
13 12
5 12
B. 12 D. 5

__________ 9. Find the exact value of tan 𝐹.

12 13
A. 13 C. 12
5 12
B. D.
12 5

__________ 10. Find the exact value of sin 𝐹.

12 13
A. 13 C. 12
5 12
B. 12 D. 5
 Definition of the Trigonometric Ratios on Right Triangle
Let θ be an acute angle of a right triangle as shown below:

Let opp be the opposite side of the acute angle θ; adj be the adjacent side of the acute angle θ; and hyp be the
hypotenuse of the right triangle.

Therefore, the definition of the six trigonometric ratios are as follows:

• Sine is defined as the ratio of the opposite side of the acute angle θ to the hypotenuse which can be written
mathematically as:
𝒐𝒑𝒑
𝐬𝐢𝐧𝛉 =
𝒉𝒚𝒑
• Cosine is defined as the ratio of the adjacent side of the acute angle θ to the hypotenuse which can be
expressed mathematically as:
𝒂𝒅𝒋
𝐜𝐨𝐬𝛉 =
𝒉𝒚𝒑

• Tangent is defined as the ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side of the acute angle θ which is
mathematically written as:
𝒐𝒑𝒑
𝐭𝐚𝐧𝛉 =
𝒂𝒅𝒋

• Cotangent is defined as the ratio of the adjacent side to the opposite side of the acute angle θ which is
mathematically expressed as:
𝒂𝒅𝒋
𝐜𝐨𝐭𝛉 =
𝒐𝒑𝒑
• Secant is defined as the ratio of the hypotenuse to the adjacent side of the acute angle θ which is
mathematically written as:
𝒉𝒚𝒑
𝐬𝐞𝐜𝛉 =
𝒂𝒅𝒋
• Cosecant is defined as the ratio of the hypotenuse to the opposite side of the acute angle θ which is
mathematically written as:
𝒉𝒚𝒑
𝐜𝐬𝐜𝛉 =
𝒐𝒑𝒑
Now that we have known the definition of each trigonometric ratio, take a look and examine the following
figures of right triangles below. What we need to do is to determine sides of the triangle (opposite side,
adjacent side and hypotenuse) and provide what is asked.

Figure 1.

Consider the right triangle ABC, find the equivalent ratio of sin 𝐴?

From the given figure above, note that the opposite side of the angle A is denoted by a and the hypotenuse
which is the longest side of a right triangle opposite of the right angle is denoted by c. Since the definition of
sine is the ratio of the opposite side of the given angle to the hypotenuse, hence, the equivalent ratio of sin 𝐴 is
𝑎
.
𝑐
Therefore, the answer is:
𝒂
𝐬𝐢𝐧𝑨 =
𝒄

Now using the same triangle with corresponding side lengths, a = 12, b = 5 and c = 13, what do you think is
the equivalent ratio of sin 𝐵?

Since we are looking for the equivalent ratio of sin 𝐵, let’s identify the sides of the right triangle with respect
to angle B. The opposite side of angle B is assumed to be b, its adjacent side is denoted by a and the
hypotenuse is constantly denoted as c. We have mentioned that the definition of sine is the ratio of the
𝑏
opposite side of the given angle to the hypotenuse. Hence, the equivalent ratio of sin 𝐵 is 𝑐 .
Since b = 5 and c = 13, therefore, the answer is:
𝟓
𝐬𝐢𝐧𝑩 =
𝟏𝟑
 ACTIVITY 1

Instruction: Consider the right triangle below, find the equivalent ratio of the following trigonometric
functions.

Illustration 1:
Illustration 2

1. sin 𝐷 = ____________________________
6. sin 𝐿 = ________________________________
2. sec 𝐷 = ____________________________
7. cot 𝐿 = ________________________________
3. tan 𝐸 = ____________________________
8. sec 𝑀 = _______________________________
4. csc 𝐸 = ____________________________
9. sin 𝑀 = _______________________________
5. cos 𝐷 = ___________________________
10. tan 𝐿 = ______________________________
Now that we have intensified our understanding on the basic concept of trigonometric ratios, and we have
mastered the identification of the sides of the right triangle with respect to the given angle. Let’s go through
the roof of finding the measures of the missing angles and sides of a right triangle.

Find the missing measures of the right triangle shown below.

The given right triangle XYZ with ∠𝑍 as the right angle, the missing measures are measure of ∠𝑌 and the side
lengths of x and z and the given measures are the measures of ∠𝑋, ∠𝑍 and the side length of y.

Recall that by Triangle Angle-Sum Theorem which states that the sum of the measures of the interior angles in
a triangle is equal to 180∘ . For this instance, m∠𝑋 + m∠𝑌 + m∠𝑍 = 180∘ . Since m∠𝑋 = 28∘ and m∠𝑍 =
90∘ , therefore:

Statement Reason

By the Triangle Angle-Sum Theorem which states that

𝒎∠𝑿 + 𝒎∠𝒀 + 𝒎∠𝒁 = 𝟏𝟖𝟎∘ the sum of the interior angles of a triangle is equal to 180∘

𝟐𝟖∘ + 𝒎∠𝒀 + 𝟗𝟎∘ = 𝟏𝟖𝟎∘ By Substitution Property, substitute the given measures
of angles X and Z, that is, m∠𝑋 = 28∘ and m∠𝑍 = 90∘

𝒎∠𝒀 + 𝟏𝟏𝟖∘ = 𝟏𝟖𝟎∘\ 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐦 The sum of 28∘ and 90∘ is 118∘ .

𝒎∠𝒀 + 𝟏𝟏𝟖∘ − 𝟏𝟏𝟖∘ Apply the Subtraction Property of Equality by subtracting

= 𝟏𝟖𝟎∘ − 𝟏𝟏𝟖∘ 118∘ from both sides of the equation.

𝒎∠𝒀 = 𝟔𝟐∘ Eliminate the opposites +118∘ − 118∘ and calculate the
difference of 180∘ − 118 ∘

Therefore, the measure of ∠𝒀 is 𝟔𝟐∘ .

Now, let’s find the length of side x. To do this, let us use the given ∠𝑋 with measure of 28∘ and the length of
side y which is 11. Since x is the opposite side of the acute angle X and y is the adjacent side of the acute
angle X, use Tangent Ratio to find the length of x.

Statement Reason

These are the given measures of the right triangle that is

𝒚 = 𝟏𝟏 and 𝒎∠𝑿 = 𝟐𝟖∘ essential in finding the side length of x

The definition of tangent ratio is the ratio of the opposite

𝒙 side x to the adjacent side y of the acute angle X
𝐭𝐚𝐧𝑿 =
𝒚
𝒙 Substitute the values of X and y, that is, X = 28∘ and y = 11
𝐭𝐚𝐧𝟐𝟖∘ =
𝟏𝟏

𝒙 = 𝟏𝟏 × 𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝟐𝟖∘ Cross-multiply the equation

𝒙 = 𝟏𝟏 × 𝟎. 𝟓𝟑𝟏𝟕 The approximate value of tan 28∘ is 0.5317

𝒙 = 𝟓. 𝟖𝟓 The approximate product of 11 and 0.5317 is 5.85

Therefore, the approximate length of side 𝒙 is 𝟓. 𝟖𝟓.

Now to find the remaining side length which is in this case is the hypotenuse of the right triangle, recall the
concept of the Pythagorean Theorem. The theorem states that in a right triangle the sum of the square of the
two legs is equal to the square of the hypotenuse. Mathematically, it is commonly expressed as 𝑎 2 + 𝑏2 = 𝑐 2 ,
where a and b are the legs of the right triangle and c is the hypotenuse. Since we know that the legs of the given
right triangle are x and y and the hypotenuse is denoted by z, to find the measure of the hypotenuse:

Statement Reason

𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 = 𝒛𝟐 Apply the concept of the Pythagorean Theorem

𝟓. 𝟖𝟓𝟐 + 𝟏𝟏𝟐 = 𝒛𝟐 Substitute the measures of sides x and y, that is, x = 5.85
and y = 11.
𝟑𝟒. 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟓 + 𝟏𝟐𝟏 = 𝒛𝟐 Evaluate the squares, 5.852 = 34.2225 and 112 = 121

𝟏𝟓𝟓. 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟓 = 𝒛𝟐 The sum of 34.2225 and 121 is 155.2225

√𝟏𝟓𝟓. 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟓 = √𝒛𝟐 Extract the square root from both sides of the equation
 𝒛 = ±𝟏𝟐. 𝟒𝟔 The approximate square root of 155.2225 is ±12.46

𝒛 = 𝟏𝟐. 𝟒𝟔 Since the length cannot be negative, discard the negative

solution and take the positive solution.
Therefore, the length of 𝒛 is 𝟏𝟐. 𝟒𝟔.

For additional example, let’s examine the figure of a right triangle shown below.

The given right triangle XYZ with ∠𝑍 as the right angle, the missing measures are measure of ∠𝑋 and the side
lengths of y and z and the given measures are the measures of ∠𝑌, ∠𝑍 and the side length of x.

First, let’s find the measure of ∠𝑋 by using the concept of Triangle Angle-Sum Theorem.

Statement Reason

By the Triangle Angle-Sum Theorem which states that

𝒎∠𝑿 + 𝒎∠𝒀 + 𝒎∠𝒁 = 𝟏𝟖𝟎 ∘ the sum of the interior angles of a triangle is equal to 180∘

Substitute the given measures of angles Y and Z, that is,

𝒎∠𝑿 + 𝟒𝟎∘ + 𝟗𝟎∘ = 𝟏𝟖𝟎∘ m∠𝑌 = 40∘ and m∠𝑍 = 90∘

𝒎∠𝑿 + 𝟏𝟑𝟎∘ = 𝟏𝟖𝟎∘ The sum of 40∘ and 90∘ is 130∘ .

𝒎∠𝑿 + 𝟏𝟑𝟎∘ − 𝟏𝟑𝟎∘ Apply the Subtraction Property of Equality by subtracting

= 𝟏𝟖𝟎∘ − 𝟏𝟑𝟎∘ 130∘ from both sides of the equation.

𝒎∠𝑿 = 𝟓𝟎∘ Eliminate the opposites +130∘ − 130∘ and calculate the
difference of 180∘ − 130 ∘

Therefore, the measure of ∠𝑿 is 𝟓𝟎∘ .

Now, let’s find the length of side y. To do this, let us use the given ∠𝑌 with measure of 40∘ and the length of
side x which is 16. Since y is the opposite side of the acute angle Y and x is the adjacent side of the acute
angle Y, use Tangent Ratio to find the length of y.

Statement Reason

These are the given measures of the right triangle that is

𝒙 = 𝟏𝟔 and 𝒎∠𝒀 = 𝟒𝟎∘ essential in finding the side length of y

The definition of tangent ratio is the ratio of the opposite

𝒚 side y to the adjacent side x of the acute angle Y
𝐭𝐚𝐧𝒀 =
𝒙
𝒚 Substitute the values of Y and x, that is, Y = 40∘ and x = 16
𝐭𝐚𝐧𝟒𝟎∘ =
𝟏𝟔

𝒚 = 𝟏𝟔 × 𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝟒𝟎∘ Cross multiply the equation

𝒚 = 𝟏𝟔 × 𝟎. 𝟖𝟑𝟗𝟏 The approximate value of tan 40∘ is 0.8391

𝒚 = 𝟏𝟑. 𝟒𝟑 The approximate product of 16 and 0.8391 is 13.43

Therefore, the approximate length of side 𝒚 is 𝟏𝟑. 𝟒𝟑.

From the previous example, we used the concept of Pythagorean Theorem to find the remaining length of the
third side of the right triangle. This time let’s use the trigonometric ratio to solve the length of the hypotenuse.
Let us consider the given side length x and angle measure m∠𝑌. Since the hypotenuse is unknown and the side
adjacent side of the acute angle Y is given, use the Cosine Ratio because the definition of cosine is the ratio of
the adjacent side of the acute angle of the given angle to hypotenuse.
Statement Reason
These are the given measures of the right triangle that is
𝒙 = 𝟏𝟔 and 𝒎∠𝒀 = 𝟒𝟎∘ essential in finding the length of the hypotenuse z
The definition of cosine ratio is the ratio of the adjacent
𝒙 side x of the acute angle Y to the hypotenuse z
𝐜𝐨𝐬𝒀 =
𝒛
𝟏𝟔 Substitute the values of Y and x, that is, Y = 40∘ and x = 16
𝐜𝐨𝐬𝟒𝟎∘ =
𝒛
∘
𝒛 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝟒𝟎 = 𝟏𝟔 Cross multiply the equation
𝒛 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝟒𝟎∘ 𝟏𝟔 By Division Property of Equality, divide both sides of the
= equation by cos 40∘
𝐜𝐨𝐬𝟒𝟎∘ 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝟒𝟎∘
𝟏𝟔
𝒛=
𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝟒𝟎∘ Eliminate the common terms
𝟏𝟔 The approximate value of cos 40∘ is 0.7660
𝒛=
𝟎. 𝟕𝟔𝟔𝟎
𝒛 = 𝟐𝟎. 𝟖𝟗 The approximate quotient of 16 and 0.7660 is 20.89

Therefore, the length of the hypotenuse is about 𝟐𝟎. 𝟖𝟗.

 ACTIVITY 2
Instruction: Find the measures of the missing angles and sides using Trigonometric Ratios. Consider the
given figure of the right triangle shown below:

Write your solution inside the box provided below.

 WORD PROBLEMS INVOLVING RIGHT TRIANGLES
We’ve come this far with our discussion. According to Kruthika Chidambaranathan, “Never be
afraid of solving a math problem! Because it’s easier to get a solution here than in the life problems!”
Since we are already equipped with the basic concept on how to solve a triangle, let’s learn to solve
real-life problems involving right triangles using trigonometric ratios.

Polya, the Father of Modern Problem Solving, created four steps to problem solving. First,
Understand the Problem. According to Polya, understanding the problem is the most essential part
in problem solving. Unclear understanding of the problem may lead to a negative result. In this step,
list down the key components and data that is essential in solving the problem. Second, Devise the
Plan. After understanding the problem and listing down the key components, think of a strategy or
technique on how you will solve the problem. Third, Carry Out the Plan. In this step, execute the
strategy or the technique. This is where you solve the problem. Lastly, Look Back. It is very
important to check, review and interpret your answer. This is where you validate whether your
answer make sense.

Sample Problem 1

A 20 − foot ladder leans against a building so that the angle between the ground and the ladder is
72∘ . How high does the ladder reach on the building?

Solution:

To better understand the problem that you have read, make an illustrative representation of the
problem.

𝒙
Let’s analyze the problem. According to the problem, the 20 − foot ladder leans against the wall as
shown in the illustration above. The angle formed by the ladder and the ground is 72∘ . What is asked
in the problem is the height that the ladder can reach on the building. Let’s assume that the height
that the ladder can reach on the building is denoted by 𝒙 as shown in the figure above.

Notice from the figure above that the building, the ground and the ladder form a right triangle where
the ladder serves as the hypotenuse. With respect to the angle between the ground and the ladder, the
height that the ladder can reach on the building is the opposite side of the acute angle 72∘ .
Since the unknown measure is the opposite side the given angle and the given data is the angle
measure and the length of the hypotenuse, hence, we can use Sine Ratio to solve the problem:

Statement Reason

These are the given measures of the right triangle that is

𝒐𝒑𝒑 = 𝒙, 𝒉𝒚𝒑 = 𝟐𝟎 and 𝛉 = 𝟕𝟐∘ essential in solving the problem

The definition of sine ratio is the ratio of the opposite side

𝒐𝒑𝒑 opp of the acute angle θ to the hypotenuse hyp
𝐬𝐢𝐧𝛉 =
𝒉𝒚𝒑
𝒙 Substitute the given values, that is, θ = 72∘ , opp = x and
𝐬𝐢𝐧𝟕𝟐∘ =
𝟐𝟎 hyp = 20

𝒙 = 𝟐𝟎 × 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝟕𝟐∘ Cross-multiply the equation

𝒙 = 𝟐𝟎 × 𝟎. 𝟗𝟓𝟏𝟏 The approximate value of sin 72∘ is 0.9511

𝒙 = 𝟏𝟗. 𝟎𝟐 The approximate product of 20 and 0.9511 is 19.02

Therefore, the height that the ladder can reach on the building is approximately 𝟏𝟗. 𝟎𝟐 feet.
Sample Problem 2

A mahogany tree cast a shadow that is 120 feet long. The angle formed that the sun hits the
mahogany tree measures 40∘. Find the height of the mahogany tree.

First, illustrate the problem for better understanding.

𝟏𝟐𝟎 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐭
The given facts of the problem are the measure of the angle formed when the sun hits the tree which
is 40∘ and the shadow that is 120 feet long. What is asked in the problem is the height of the
mahogany tree. From the illustrated problem, the tree, the shadow and the ray of the sum formed a
right triangle wherein the shadow serves as the hypotenuse of the right triangle. The tree is the
adjacent side of the given angle, and the shadow of the tree is the opposite side. Assume that the
height of the tree is denoted by 𝒙. Since the given measure of the right triangle is the opposite side of
the angle 40∘ and the unknown measure is the adjacent side of the given angle, therefore, use
Tangent Ratio:

Statement Reason

These are the given measures of the right triangle that is

∘
𝒐𝒑𝒑 = 𝟏𝟐𝟎, 𝒂𝒅𝒋 = 𝒙 and 𝛉 = 𝟒𝟎 essential in solving the problem

The definition of tangent ratio is the ratio of the opposite

𝒐𝒑𝒑 side opp to the adjacent side adj of the acute angle θ
𝐭𝐚𝐧𝛉 =
𝒂𝒅𝒋
𝟏𝟐𝟎 Substitute the given values, that is, θ = 40∘ , 𝑜𝑝𝑝 = 120 and
𝐭𝐚𝐧𝟒𝟎∘ =
𝒙 𝑎𝑑𝑗 = 𝑥
 𝒙 𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝟒𝟎∘ = 𝟏𝟐𝟎 Cross-multiply the equation

𝒙 𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝟒𝟎∘ 𝟏𝟐𝟎 By Division Property of Equality, divide both sides of the
=
𝐭𝐚𝐧𝟒𝟎 ∘ 𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝟒𝟎∘ equation by tan 40∘

𝟏𝟐𝟎 Eliminate the common terms

𝒙=
𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝟒𝟎∘

𝟏𝟐𝟎 The approximate value of tan 40∘ is 0.8391

𝒙=
𝟎. 𝟖𝟑𝟗𝟏

𝒙 = 𝟏𝟒𝟑. 𝟎𝟏 The approximate quotient of 120 and 0.8391 is 143.01

Therefore, the height of the mahogany tree is approximately 𝟏𝟒𝟑. 𝟎𝟏 feet.

References

1. https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/polytechnic-university-of-the-philippines/bachelor-of-
science-in-electrical-engineering/math-9-q4-module-1-illustrating-the-six-trigonometric-ratios-
1/33220909