A Trigonometry Question... of all things

[Wm777]

So - I know this is not exactly what we normally discuss here, but can someone help me with a trigonometry question that has haunted me since my college days?

Given a 30, 60, 90 triangle - which angle is theta?

We know it can’t be the 90 degree because that angle is subtended by the hypoteneuse… That means either the 30 degree angle or the 60 degree angle is theta…

Why is this important in life? I have no idea. I’ve just been thinking about it.

It always seemed to me theta could be arbitrarily assigned to either the 30 or the 60 degree angle, but then I never did that well in trigonometry.

Anyhow, since theta determine the Opposite and Adjacent lines, getting theta right is important because you can’t derive the cosine and tangent without knowing which angle it is.

It’s probably why I didnt do so well in trig - I always got stuck confusing which sides were which relative to all the different angles.

 

[JamalChristophr]

Don’t usually get math questions here. You might have to solve a problem like this to get out of purgatory. You never know.

 

[BartholomewB]

It always seemed to me theta could be arbitrarily assigned to either the 30 or the 60 degree angle, b

Yes, that is correct.

 

[BlackFriar]

Its pretty clear you were asleep during class.

If you are talking about getting a sin or cos then the angle of concern (often named theta) is normally the one between the hypotenuse and the adjacent lines.

It doesn’t really matter, its an arbitrary though traditional designation.
Pretty much like the meaning of life.

Just make sure you are living your own meaning - not your Math’s teacher’s.

 

[Irishmom2]

. I would never get out then.