Lesson 4
Ratios in Right Triangles
- Let’s investigate ratios in the side lengths of right triangles.
Problem 1
Angle \(B\) is an acute angle in a right triangle. What is a reasonable approximation for angle \(B\) if the ratio for the opposite leg divided by the hypotenuse is 0.67?
Problem 2
Estimate the values to complete the table.
| angle | adjacent leg \(\div\) hypotenuse | opposite leg \(\div\) hypotenuse | opposite leg \(\div\) adjacent leg |
|---|---|---|---|
| \(A\) | |||
| \(C\) | 0.97 | 0.26 | 0.27 |
Problem 3
Priya says, “I know everything about a right triangle with a 30 degree angle and a hypotenuse with length 1 cm. Here, look.“
- The other angle is 60 degrees.
- The leg adjacent to the 30 degree angle is 0.866 cm long.
- The side opposite the 30 degree angle is 0.5 cm long.
Han asks, “What would happen if a right triangle with a 30 degree angle has a hypotenuse that is 2 cm instead?“
Help them find the missing angles and side lengths in the new triangle. Explain or show your reasoning.
Problem 4
Triangle \(ABC\) is equilateral.
- What is the value of \(x\)?
- What is the measure of angle \(B\)?
Problem 5
An equilateral triangle has side length 8 units. What is the area?
\(16 \sqrt3\) square units
24 square units
\(24 \sqrt3\) square units
32 square units
Problem 6
What is the length of the square’s side?
3 units
\(\frac{6}{\sqrt2}\) units
\(6 \sqrt2\) units
12 units
Problem 7
A step has a height of 6 inches. A ramp starts 5 feet away from the base of the step, making a \(5.7^\circ\) angle with the ground. What can you say about the angle the ramp would make with the ground if the ramp starts closer to the step?
The angle would decrease.
The angle would increase.
The angle would stay the same.
We cannot determine anything about the angle.
Problem 8
The quilt is made of squares with diagonals.
The length of \(BD\) is 4.
- Find the length of \(AE\).
- Find the area of square \(ABCD\).
