Activity Detail
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The Tangent Ratio
 


Activity Overview

In this activity students explore the tangent ratio. Students construct a right triangle using perpendicular lines, and a line that forms the hypotenuse of the triangle. When students construct the hypotenuse line it is very important that the second point that forms the line is not on the perpendicular line. When done correctly, moving point C will produce similar triangles.

Before the Activity

Students should have access to either the TI-83 or TI-84 family of calculators.

During the Activity

Students explore the tangent ratio. Students construct a right triangle using perpendicular lines, and a line that forms the hypotenuse of the triangle.

After the Activity

Review student answers:
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary

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    Subject Area:
    Math : Geometry : Analytic Geometry
    Math : Geometry : Triangles
    Math : Geometry : Similarity

    Author:
    Roger Patterson, St Helens HS, St Helens, OR

    Level:
    9-12

    Activity Time:
    50 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-83 Plus Family, TI-84 Plus Family

    Apps:
    Cabri™ Jr.

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