Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) Basic Math Placement Practice Test

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In trigonometry, what does "SOH" in the acronym SOHCAHTOA stand for?

Opposite / Hypotenuse
Adjacent / Hypotenuse
Adjacent / Opposite
Hypotenuse / Adjacent

The correct answer is: Opposite / Hypotenuse

In trigonometry, "SOH" stands for "Sine = Opposite / Hypotenuse." This part of the acronym is essential for remembering the definition of the sine function, which relates the length of the side opposite an angle in a right triangle to the length of the hypotenuse, the longest side of the triangle. Understanding this relationship is crucial when solving problems involving right triangles, especially when dealing with the ratios of the sides in relation to the angles. By memorizing "SOH," students can easily recall how to calculate the sine of an angle, which is commonly used in various applications, like physics and engineering, where angles and lengths need to be determined. The other options relate to different functions or misunderstandings of the relationships within a right triangle and do not accurately define the sine function as described by "SOH."