Solving Practical Problems (HSC SSCE Mathematics Standard): Flashcards

Heights, mountains, river widths, construction angles

Read carefully, underline key info, identify what to find

Draw right-angled triangle, label all, mark unknown

$\sin \theta = \frac{o}{h}$ (opposite/hypotenuse)

$\cos \theta = \frac{a}{h}$ (adjacent/hypotenuse)

$\tan \theta = \frac{o}{a}$ (opposite/adjacent)

Use trig ratio directly, substitute values and solve

Use inverse trig functions: $\sin^{-1}$, $\cos^{-1}$, $\tan^{-1}$

Ensure answer is reasonable and has correct units

Write answer in words to confirm question answered