Education Technology

The Tangent Ratio

Subject Area
Math: Geometry: Analytic Geometry
Math: Geometry: Similarity and Proportion
Math: Geometry: Triangles
Level
9-12
Activity Time
50 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-84 series
Resource Types
Lessons

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
  • Subject Area
    Math: Geometry: Analytic Geometry
    Math: Geometry: Similarity and Proportion
    Math: Geometry: Triangles
    Level
    9-12
    Activity Time
    50 Minutes
    TI Calculator
    TI-84 series
    Resource Types
    Lessons
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