Lesson 10: Solving Right Triangles and Word Problems

Module 1: Measurement and Its Applications

 

Lesson 10 Summary

 

In this lesson you investigated the following questions:

• How do you approach problems whose solutions are based on trigonometry and its principles?

• How is trigonometry used to determine heights and distances that cannot be directly measured?

At the beginning of this lesson, you learned the steps for approaching problems based on trigonometry. You learned that the key first step is to sketch a diagram of the problem.

 

Then it is so important to correctly identify the right triangle in the problem and label the opposite, adjacent, and hypotenuse sides. You can then set up a sine, cosine, or tangent equation. This equation can then be solved to yield a solution.

 

In this lesson you also built a simple clinometer which helps you to measure heights which are otherwise difficult to measure directly. The height of a tree or a flagpole or your house can be measured from the safety of the ground. There is no need to climb the structure and drop down a measuring tape!

 

You have now completed the final lesson of Module 1 Part 2.

Mathematics 10C Learn EveryWare © 2010 Alberta Education