What type of triangle can SOH CAH TOA be used with?

SOH CAH TOA is a mnemonic that helps remember the definitions of the sine, cosine, and tangent functions in relation to the angles and sides of a right triangle. Each part of the mnemonic refers specifically to relationships that hold only in right triangles.

• "SOH" stands for Sine = Opposite side over Hypotenuse.

• "CAH" represents Cosine = Adjacent side over Hypotenuse.

• "TOA" means Tangent = Opposite side over Adjacent side.

These ratios are based on the presence of a right angle, which allows the definitions to be consistent and applicable. In a right triangle, one angle measures 90 degrees, and the other two angles are acute, which is critical for applying the trigonometric functions derived from SOH CAH TOA.

While SOH CAH TOA specifically applies to right triangles, the relationships can be extended to non-right triangles via methods such as the Law of Sines or the Law of Cosines. However, those methods do not pertain directly to SOH CAH TOA. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes that SOH CAH TOA is directly used with right angle triangles.