Essential Question:  How can the relationships between the sides of right triangles help us solve real-world measurement problems?

Unit Rationale:  Using the basic trigonometric ratios makes it possible to find missing measure in real-world right triangles when certain other measures are known.  This knowledge can then be extended to the study and understanding of trigonometric functions.

As a result of this unit, students will be able to:

Ø  Define three important ratios between the sides of a right triangle.

Ø  Use trigonometry to solve problems involving right triangles.

Vocabulary:

·        Sine/sin

·        Cosine/cos

·        Tangent/tan

·        Adjacent leg

·        Opposite leg

Standards: Standards will be assessed on both the state and classroom levels, however, standards with an asterisk (*) in the code will count for graduation requirements. 

Focus Standards:

*G.3.E  Solve problems involving the basic trigonometric ratios of sine, cosine, and tangent.

Supporting Standards:

*G.3.C  Use the properties of special right triangles to solve problems.

*G.3.D  Know, prove, and apply the Pythagorean theorem and its converse.

Reasoning, Problem Solving, and Communication Standards:

*G.7.A  Analyze a problem situation and represent it mathematically.

*G.7.B  Select and apply strategies to solve problems.

*G.7.C  Evaluate a solution for reasonableness, verify its accuracy, and interpret the solution in the context of the original problem.