Right triangles are so special! Use special right triangles to discover the trigonometric ratios. Pairs construct special right triangles and find the values of the ratios of the sides. In the process, they discover the ratios stay the same based on the angle size. Individuals learn the definitions of the trigonometry ratios based on their investigations.

Concepts

right triangles, special right triangles, trigonometric ratios, trigonometry applications, cosine, tangent, sine

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• For the special right triangles, calculate the ratios using exact values
• Compare calculated trigonometric values with the values found in a trigonometry table

Classroom Considerations

• The class should be well versed with the Pythagorean Theorem

Pros

• Contains suggestions for differentiation
• Includes extensions activities

Cons

• None

Common Core

HSG-SRT.C.6 HSG-SRT.C.8 MP3 MP6 MP8