Question Analysis
The main focus is to determine which trigonometric function is appropriate when the adjacent side and the hypotenuse of a right - triangle are given. It requires understanding the definitions of sine, cosine, and tangent in relation to the sides of a right - triangle.
Key Concept Explanation
Sine (sin): Defined as , which involves the opposite side, not the adjacent side.
Cosine (cos): Defined as , so it directly uses the adjacent side and the hypotenuse.
Tangent (tan): Defined as , and it does not involve the hypotenuse in this form.
Step - by - Step Solution
1. Analyze sine: Since sine requires the opposite side and we have the adjacent side, sine is not applicable.
2. Analyze cosine: Cosine's formula