Question

if you are given the two sides that are not the hypotenuse, which trig function should you use? cotangent tangent sine cosine

Explanation:

Step1: Recall trig - function definitions

In a right - triangle, $\sin\theta=\frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}}$, $\cos\theta = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}}$, $\tan\theta=\frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}}$, $\cot\theta=\frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{opposite}}$. When we are given the two non - hypotenuse sides (opposite and adjacent sides with respect to an acute angle in a right - triangle), we use the tangent or cotangent function.

Step2: Determine the appropriate function

If we want the ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side, we use the tangent function. If we want the ratio of the adjacent side to the opposite side, we use the cotangent function. Commonly, the tangent function is more frequently used in such cases.

Answer:

tangent