trig quesiton?

Question

how do you do this? if tan is 13.3/15.7 it is 40.3 degrees.

Answer 1

if sinx = 0.5 for example you should use calculator as follows :
shift ( sin -1 ) 0.5 = 30
so the inverse operation of getting sin angle is to get an angle whose sin = number
so in your cas shift tan (13.3/15.7) you will get 40.3
when you input shift then tan it appears as ( tan-1) means the angles whose tan = blabla
or if you are old fasion type and looking at tables
you search for the value of 13.3/15.7 which is 0.847 in decimals and look up the angle corresponding to this

Answer 2

Basically, 13.3 is the length of the side that's opposite the angle and 15.7 is the length of the side that's adjacent to the angle (note that tangent doesn't involve the hypotenuse). So if theta were to equal the angle you are looking for, then tangent (theta) = 13.3/15.7

In order to find theta, you have to take the inverse tangent of both sides. Inverse tangent (tangent (theta)) = inverse tangent (13.3/15.7). This leaves you with theta = inverse tangent (13.3/15.7). Then you use a scientific calculator to solve for theta. (tan^-1 (13.3/15.7))

Answer 3

13.3/15.7 =0.847

and with the calculate of your PC , you tape inv and tan and find 40.3

Answer 4

I used to learn trig function for a triangle using SOH CAH TOA. First letters of each set of 3 is the function, S for Sin, C for Cos, T for Tan. O stands for opposite meaning opposite side of the angle. H stands for hypotenuse longest side of the triangle. A stands for adjacent, which is side that is adjacent to the angle. I figure Adjacent side is always the side that is horizontal of triangle, on bottom. Since you know the two sides and you have Tan that means Tangent is Opp/Adj. So using a scientific calculator you would take Opp/Adj equals .8471 roughly then press the inverse function button that way you will get your angle. If that works then just for kicks to make sure you have it right. Take your angle that it gave you and press Tan, should come out to about .8471...