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How to Find Adjacent?

Published in Trigonometry 1 min read

To find the adjacent side in a right triangle relative to a specific angle (that isn't the right angle), first identify the hypotenuse and the opposite side; the remaining side, the one next to the angle that isn't the hypotenuse, is the adjacent side.

Here's a breakdown of how to identify the adjacent side:

  1. Identify the Angle: Determine which acute angle in the right triangle you're using as your reference point.

  2. Find the Hypotenuse: The hypotenuse is always the longest side of the right triangle and is opposite the right angle (90 degrees).

  3. Locate the Opposite Side: The opposite side is the side directly across from the angle you identified in step 1.

  4. Determine the Adjacent Side: The adjacent side is the side that is next to the angle you're considering (and is not the hypotenuse). It forms one of the rays of the angle.

Essentially, after you've found the hypotenuse and the opposite side, the remaining side touching the angle of interest is the adjacent side.

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