Curated OER
Finding the Area of an Equilateral Triangle
The problem seems simple: find the area of the equilateral triangle whose sides are each length 1. In fact, this same problem is solved in 8th grade, addressing a different Common Core standard, using the formula for area of a triangle...
Illustrative Mathematics
Two Wheels and a Belt
Geometry gets an engineering treatment in an exercise involving a belt wrapped around two wheels of different dimensions. Along with the wheels, this belt problem connects concepts of right triangles, tangent lines, arc length, and...
Curated OER
Task: Range of Motion
If you have ever injured your shoulder, you know it takes a while to improve your arm's range of motion. In this real-world example, young mathematicians gain insight into the world of physical therapy while they analyze a case study...
Curated OER
Task: Grain Storage
Farming is full of mathematics, and it provides numerous real-world examples for young mathematicians to study. Here, we look at a cylinder-shaped storage silo that has one flat side. Given certain dimensions, students need to determine...
Curated OER
Task: Miniature Golf
"Fore!" All right, no one really yells this out in miniature golf, but this well-defined activity will have your charges using lots of numbers in their unique design of a miniature golf hole. Included in the activity criteria is the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Satellite
Learners practice relating rules of trigonometry and properties of circles. With a few simplifying assumptions such as a perfectly round earth, young mathematicians calculate the lengths of various paths between satellite and...
Curated OER
T Points from Directions
Here is a lesson plan that starts with having geometers translate points using compass directions into an accurate picture of the problem. Then they must use their knowledge of the Pythagorean theorem or similar triangles to solve. This...
Curated OER
Access Ramp
Just about every public building that your students are familiar with has an access ramp which complies with ADA requirements. As it turns out, designing such a ramp is an excellent activity to incorporate slope, the Pythagorean Theorem,...
Windstream
Ojk's Precalculus Study Pages: Solving Right Triangles
An introduction to all six trigonometric function in the setting of right triangles. This tutorial begins with the six definitions and goes through applications involving angles of elevation and angles of depression. Includes several...
Interactive Mathematics
Interactive Mathematics: The Right Triangle and Applications
Learn how to "solve" a right triangle and apply the concept to real world situations using angles of elevation and depression.
Lawrence Hall of Science
The Math Page: Trigonometry: Trignometry of Right Triangles
Here is a site that clearly and thoroughly explains the trigonometry of a right triangle, including finding the values of all six trig functions given a single value. There are example problems solved, problems for the student to...
Other
Trig Without Tears: Solving Triangles
This page provides a good explanation of how to solve oblique triangles (triangles containing no right angles.) The Law of Cosines section is about halfway of the way down the page.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: You've Got Triangles!
Students learn about trigonometry, geometry and measurements while participating in a hands-on interaction with LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT technology. First they review fundamental geometrical and trigonometric concepts. Then, they estimate the...
Lawrence Hall of Science
The Math Page: Trigonometry: Trig Functions of an Acute Angle
Here is a site that clearly and thoroughly explains the trigonometric functions of acute angles within a right triangle. There are example problems solved, problems for the student to attempt, and answers to the student problems. Point...
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Real Life Real World Activity Forestry
Forest industry professionals make measurements in their work using tools including the Clinometer and the Biltmore Stick. These tools are based on the concepts of similar triangles and trigonometric ratios in a right triangle. This...