How to Find Tangent in Triangles

Triangles are polynomials with three sides, whose interior angles equal 180 degrees.

One of the fundamental principles of geometry is that of sine, cosine and tangent in relation to triangles. These functions allow a person to learn missing angles or sides if one three of either are known. These functions use various angles in the triangle to calculate a missing length from the opposite, adjacent or hypotenuse. The tangent of an angle is always the sum of the opposite side of the triangle divided by the adjacent side.

Things You'll Need

• Scientific calculator

Instructions

1. Identify the opposite side of the triangle and its length. This number will be the dividend for finding the triangle's tangent.

2. Identify the adjacent side and length. The length of this side of the triangle will provide the divisor for finding the tangent.

3. Divide the opposite side by the adjacent side of the triangle. The final result will be the triangle's tangent. For example, if a triangle has an opposite of 5 and an adjacent of 6, the tangent would be 0.83 (5 / 6 = 0.83).

References

• Math is Fun: Sine, Cosine and Tangent