GEOMETRYHELP

tan A2021

= = =oppositeadjacent

BCAC

tan B2120

= = =oppositeadjacent

ACBC

Write the tangent ratios for A and B.

Quick Check

The Tangent RatioLESSON 8-3

Additional Examples

GEOMETRYHELP

To measure the height of a tree, Alma walked 125 ft from the tree and measured a 32° angle from the ground to the top of the tree. Estimate the height of the tree.

The tree forms a right angle with the ground, so you can use the tangent ratio to estimate the height of the tree.

tan 32° = height125 Use the tangent ratio.

height = 125 (tan 32°) Solve for height.

The tree is about 78 ft tall.

The Tangent RatioLESSON 8-3

Additional Examples

Quick Check

125 32 Use a calculator.

GEOMETRYHELP

Find m R to the nearest degree.

tan R =4741 Find the tangent ratio.

So m R 49.

m R tan–1 Use the inverse of the tangent.4741

The Tangent RatioLESSON 8-3

Additional Examples

Quick Check

Use a calculator.4741