Trig ratios of special triangles

Until now, we have used the calculator to evaluate the sine, cosine, and tangent of an angle. However, it is possible to evaluate the trig
functions for certain angles without using a calculator.

This is because there are two special triangles whose side ratios we know! These two triangles are the 45-45-90 triangle and the 30-
60-90 triangle.

The special triangles

30-60-90 triangles

A 30-60-90 triangle is a right triangle with a 30^\circ30∘30, degree degree angle and a 60^\circ60∘60, degree degree
angle.

45-45-90 triangles

A 45-45-90 triangle is a right triangle with two 45^\circ45∘45, degree degree angles.
Trigonometric ratios of a right triangle
A right triangle has one right angle and two acute angles. The side across from the right angle is called the hypotenuse and
it is always the longest side in the triangle. The side across an angle (theta ) is called the opposite side. The side next to
an angle is called the adjacent side. See figure below.
 The Cosine of an angle theta , denoted cos , is the ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse of a right triangle.

 The Sine of an angle theta , denoted sin , is the ratio of the opposite side to the hypotenuse of a right triangle.

 The Tangent of an angle theta , denoted tan , is the ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side in a right

triangle. It is also the ratio of sin to cos .

 The Cotangent of an angle theta, denoted cot is the ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side in a right triangle.

It is also the ratio of cos to sin .

Trigonometric ratios of special angles

When finding the trigonometric ratios of 30 and 60angles, we use a 30-60-90 triangle. This is a specialright triangle
that has angle measures of 30 , 60 , and 90 .