Math Problem Statement

Two students describe the sides of right triangle ABC in relation to angle B. Who is correct? Tomas or Iliana? Explain.

Solution

The problem involves identifying the correct descriptions of the sides of a right triangle ABC\triangle ABC relative to angle B\angle B.

Here’s the solution:

  1. Understand the problem:
    In a right triangle:

    • The hypotenuse is the side opposite the right angle (C\angle C), which is the longest side (ABAB in this case).
    • The opposite side relative to an angle (e.g., B\angle B) is the side directly across from the angle.
    • The adjacent side relative to an angle (e.g., B\angle B) is the side next to the angle that is not the hypotenuse.
  2. Analysis of Tomas’s description:

    • Tomas states that:
      • ABAB is the hypotenuse (correct).
      • ACAC is the opposite side to B\angle B (incorrect).
        ACAC is the side next to B\angle B, so it is the adjacent side.
      • BCBC is the adjacent side to B\angle B (incorrect).
        BCBC is directly across from B\angle B, so it is the opposite side.
  3. Analysis of Iliana’s description:

    • Iliana states that:
      • ABAB is the hypotenuse (correct).
      • BCBC is the opposite side to B\angle B (correct).
        BCBC is the side directly across from B\angle B.
      • ACAC is the adjacent side to B\angle B (correct).
        ACAC is next to B\angle B but not the hypotenuse.
  4. Conclusion:
    Iliana’s description is correct. The correct answer is:
    "Iliana is correct; BCBC is opposite B\angle B and ACAC is adjacent to B\angle B."


Would you like a breakdown of this explanation or more examples of this concept?

Related Questions:

  1. What are the definitions of hypotenuse, adjacent, and opposite sides in a triangle?
  2. How does the orientation of the triangle affect the naming of sides?
  3. What are the trigonometric ratios (sin\sin, cos\cos, tan\tan) relative to an angle in a right triangle?
  4. How can we find the length of a side in a triangle using trigonometry?
  5. How does the Pythagorean theorem relate to the hypotenuse?

Tip:

To avoid confusion when identifying sides in a triangle, always start by marking the hypotenuse (longest side) first. Then consider the angle of interest to classify the opposite and adjacent sides.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Right Triangles
Classification of Triangle Sides

Formulas

Definitions of hypotenuse, opposite, and adjacent sides

Theorems

Basic properties of right triangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9