Trigonometry

Study of triangles and trigonometric functions including sine, cosine, and tangent.
Basic Concepts

Triangles and Their Types

What is a Triangle?

A triangle is a three-sided polygon. The sum of its interior angles always equals 180°. Triangles are everywhere—from road signs to pyramids—making them super important in math and the real world.

Types of Triangles

Triangles can be classified by their side lengths or angle sizes:

  • By Sides:

    • Equilateral: All sides and angles are equal.
    • Isosceles: Two sides (and two angles) are equal.
    • Scalene: All sides and angles are different.
  • By Angles:

    • Acute: All angles are less than 90°.
    • Right: Has one 90° angle.
    • Obtuse: Has one angle greater than 90°.

Why Study Triangles?

Understanding triangles is the foundation of trigonometry. Once you master triangles, you’ll find it easier to understand how their angles and sides relate using trigonometric functions.

Real Life

From designing buildings to solving mysteries in navigation, triangles play a vital role!

Examples

  • A traffic sign in the shape of an equilateral triangle.

  • A ladder leaning against a wall forms a right triangle.

In a Nutshell

Triangles are three-sided shapes, and learning their types is the first step in understanding trigonometry.

Key Terms

Polygon
A closed figure with straight sides.
Right Triangle
A triangle with one 90° angle.