Mathematics · Grades 9–12
Tangent in a right triangle
The adjacent leg is next to the angle; it is not the hypotenuse.
The key idea
The adjacent leg is next to the angle; it is not the hypotenuse.
tan θ = opposite / adjacent
Worked examples
In a right triangle, the legs opposite and adjacent to θ are 32 cm and 18 cm. Find tan θ as a fraction.
32/18 = 16/9
16/9
In a right triangle, the legs opposite and adjacent to θ are 27 cm and 8 cm. Find tan θ as a fraction.
27/8 = 27/8
27/8
Try it yourself
In a right triangle, the legs opposite and adjacent to θ are 26 cm and 21 cm. Find tan θ as a fraction.
In a right triangle, the legs opposite and adjacent to θ are 16 cm and 22 cm. Find tan θ as a fraction.
Check your understanding
Answers and marking notes
- 26/21
26/21 = 26/21
- 8/11
16/22 = 8/11
Further reading and review references
These are reference links, not copied exercises, institutional endorsement or proof of independent review.
Learning preview · teacher review required. Grade bands are approximate, not official curriculum alignment.