Variables
Description
What is this formula?
This trigonometric formula calculates the adjacent side of a right triangle using the cosine ratio.
The cosine function relates the adjacent side of an angle to the hypotenuse of the triangle.
It is one of the fundamental formulas used in trigonometry, geometry, engineering, and physics.
When to use it
Use this formula when:
- The hypotenuse is known
- One acute angle is known
- The adjacent side must be calculated
- Solving right triangle problems
- Working with horizontal distances or vector components
The angle may be expressed in degrees or radians depending on the calculator configuration.
Example
If:
hypotenuse = 15 m
theta = 35°
Then:
adjacent = 15*cos(35°)
adjacent ≈ 12.29 m
Applications
- Trigonometry and geometry
- Structural and civil engineering
- Physics and mechanics
- Navigation and surveying
- Vector analysis
- Computer graphics