Right Triangle Naming Conventions

When we studied Pythagorean Theorem: a b c

Or: b a c

Side c was always the hypotenuse of the triangle OR the side with the longest length OR the side opposite from the 90 ∘ angle. a and b were just the names of the two other sides. At no point (except for 90 ∘ ) did we discuss or label other angles of the triangle. Regardless:

With Trigonometry we must reference sides in relation to certain angles: Ɵ The angle we are referring to is termed the reference angle and is sometimes labeled as the Greek letter theta ( Ɵ ).

With Trigonometry we must reference sides in relation to certain angles: Ɵ The hypotenuse never changes and is still the longest side of the triangle. hypotenuse

With Trigonometry we must reference sides in relation to certain angles: Ɵ The side opposite the reference angle Ɵ is termed the opposite. hypotenuse opposite

With Trigonometry we must reference sides in relation to certain angles: Ɵ The side next to the reference angle Ɵ is termed the adjacent. hypotenuse opposite adjacent

Thus: Ɵ H O A

Would the names of the sides change if the reference angle changes? Ɵ H A O