Use trig ratios and the Pythagorean Theorem to solve right triangles in applied problems.
Choose the correct method for a right-triangle problem: trig ratio, inverse trig, Pythagorean Theorem, or insufficient information
Problem
A right triangle has \(\text{two}~\text{known}~\text{side}~\text{lengths}\) and \(\text{one}~\text{unknown}~\text{side}\), with \(\text{no}~\angle~\text{calculation}\) required. State the direct solution method and explain why its \(\text{three}\text{-}\text{side}~\text{relationship}\) fits the givens.
Big Picture
What this problem is really about
Method choice should follow the kinds of givens and target, not just the fact that the triangle is right. We’ll inventory two known sides and one side target, identify the theorem that directly relates all three sides, and adjust its algebra depending on whether the unknown is a leg or hypotenuse.
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