Right Triangle Angle Formula:
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This calculation determines an angle in a right triangle when you know the lengths of the opposite side and the hypotenuse. It uses the arcsine (inverse sine) function to find the angle whose sine equals the ratio of opposite side to hypotenuse.
The calculator uses the trigonometric formula:
Where:
Explanation: The arcsine function returns the angle whose sine is the given ratio. The calculator converts the result from radians to degrees for easier interpretation.
Details: Calculating angles from side lengths is fundamental in trigonometry, with applications in navigation, engineering, physics, and computer graphics. It's essential for solving right triangle problems.
Tips: Enter positive values for both sides. The opposite side must be shorter than or equal to the hypotenuse. Results are in degrees (0° to 90° for valid right triangle inputs).
Q1: What if I know adjacent side instead of opposite?
A: Use arccosine(adjacent/hypotenuse) or arctangent(opposite/adjacent) depending on which sides you know.
Q2: Can I use this for non-right triangles?
A: No, this specific formula only works for right triangles. For other triangles, use the Law of Cosines or Law of Sines.
Q3: Why does my calculator give an error?
A: This happens if opposite > hypotenuse, which violates the right triangle properties (hypotenuse must be the longest side).
Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise, but real-world accuracy depends on the precision of your side length measurements.
Q5: Can I calculate the other angles with this?
A: Yes, once you have one angle (θ), the other non-right angle is (90° - θ) since angles in a triangle sum to 180°.