Intro to Trigonometry
📋 What it is
In a right triangle, sine, cosine and tangent are fixed ratios of the sides for a given angle.
🗣️ Coach says
Trig sounds scary but it's one idea: in a right triangle, the ANGLE decides the SHAPE, and the shape fixes the ratios of the sides. "SOH-CAH-TOA" is just a way to remember which sides make each ratio.
🧠 Memory hook
SOH-CAH-TOA: Sin = Opp/Hyp, Cos = Adj/Hyp, Tan = Opp/Adj.
😂 Giggle
Why did the obtuse angle feel insecure?
Because it was never right!
😲 Whoa!
Trigonometry is how GPS finds you: satellites measure angles and distances, and trig ratios turn those into your exact spot on Earth.
✅ Quick check: Which ratio uses the opposite side over the hypotenuse?
Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.
Sine (SOH: Sin = Opposite / Hypotenuse).
The mnemonic SOH-CAH-TOA maps each ratio to its two sides.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
Hold a pencil at different tilts against a wall. Notice: a steeper angle → a taller "opposite" side.