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Pythagorean Thereom or Trigonometry? (A) WORKSHEET

Suitable for Grades: Geometry, IM 2
CCSS: HSF.TF.A.3, HSG.SRT.C.8
CCSS Description: (+) Use special triangles to determine geometrically the values of sine, cosine, tangent for π/3, π/4 and π/6, and use the unit circle to express the values of sine, cosine, and tangent for π–x, π+x, and 2π–x in terms of their values for x, where x is any real number.

Use trigonometric ratios and the Pythagorean Theorem to solve right triangles in applied problems.

Pythagorean Thereom or Trigonometry? (A) WORKSHEET DESCRIPTION

Once students are comfortable using the Pythagorean theorem and trigonometry in right angled triangles, use this worksheet to help them decide which method they should use to solve different problems.

The worksheet displays a simple flow diagram at the beginning to guide learners which they can then use to determine whether they should use the Pythagorean theorem, the sine, cosine, tangent ratio or neither in order o find x in 16 different questions. Questions include calculating missing lengths and angles, finding the perimeter and area of isosceles triangles, calculating a missing angle in a trapeziod and showing that a triangle has a right angle.

As an extension, students are asked to go back to find x, a nice revision or end of unit exercise.