APPLICATION OF RIGHT-ANGLED

TRIANGLES
A Project Work Report
By

Nishika Timilsina
Stream: Science Section: D1

Submitted to
The Department of Mathematics
Kathmandu Model Secondary School
Bagbazar, Kathmandu
Nepal

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 Declaration:
I hereby declare that the report presented in this project report has been done by myself under
the supervision of Mr. Puspha Raj Bhandari and has not been submitted elsewhere for any
examination.

All sources of the information have been specifically acknowledged by references to authors or
institutions.

Signature:
Name of Student: Nishika Timilsina
Stream: Science
Section: D1
Date: 28-10-2023

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 Subject Teacher’s Recommendation
The project work report entitled ‘TITLE OF PROJECT WORK REPORT’ submitted by
Nishika Timilsina of Kathmandu Model Secondary School, Bagbazar, Kathmandu,
Nepal is prepared under my supervision as per the procedure and format
requirements laid by the Department of Mathematics, Kathmandu Model
Secondary School, as the partial fulfillment of the requirements of the internal
evaluation of grade XI. I, therefore, recommend the report for evaluation.

Signature:
Name of Subject Teacher: Puspha Raj Bhandari
Date: 28-10-2023

Endorsement

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We here by endorse the project work entitled ‘TITLE OF PROJECT WORK REPORT’
submitted by Nishika Timilsina of Kathmandu Model Secondary School,
Kathmandu, Nepal in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the internal
evaluation of mathematics of grade XI.

Signature:
Mathematics HOD: Chirangibi Gyawali
Date: 28-10-2023

Acknowledgement:
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I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisor Mr. Puspha Raj
Bhandari for bringing this topic to my attention and for his support and guidance
during the preparation of this project work. I am grateful to my respected
mathematics teachers who contributed to building a strong foundation of
mathematics. Special thanks go to my classmates who helped me while preparing
this project report.

Table of Contents
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Title Page............................................................................................................1
Declaration..........................................................................................................2
Subject-Teacher’s recommendation.....................................................................3
Endorsement.......................................................................................................4
Acknowledgements.............................................................................................5
Table of Contents...............................................................................................6
INTRODUCTION:
Brief introduction...........................................................................................7
Properties......................................................................................................8
Types..............................................................................................................9
Applications..............................................................................................10-12
Pictures of Application...................................................................................13
Historical background.....................................................................................14
Significance and scope....................................................................................15-16
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
Methodology...................................................................................................17
Findings and Conclusion..................................................................................18
Bibliography.....................................................................................................19

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INTRODUCTION:
BACKGROUND:
A right-angled triangle is a triangle, that has one of its interior angles equal to 90
degrees or any one angle is a right angle. The term right-angled triangle is
associated with Pythagorean Theorem. The three sides of the right triangle are
related to each other. This relationship is explained by Pythagoras theorem.
According to this theorem, in a right triangle,

Hypotenuse2 = Perpendicular2 + Base2

Area of Right-Angled Triangle

The area is in the two-dimensional region and is measured in a square unit. It can
be defined as the amount of space taken by the 2-dimensional object.

The area of a triangle can be calculated by 2 formulas:

1. Area= a*b/2
2. Heron’s Formula

Perimeter
Perimeter of right triangle = Length of (Base + Perpendicular + Hypotenuse)

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Types of Right-Angled Triangles
Right-Angled triangles can be categorized as:
1. Isosceles right triangle: In this triangle, one interior angle measures 90°, and
the other two angles measure 45° each. It is also known as a 45-90-45 triangle.

[Link] right triangle: This triangle is the one in which one interior angle
measures 90°, while the other two have different measures.

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Properties of Right-Angled Triangles:
 One angle is always 90° or right angle and the side opposite angle of 90° is
the hypotenuse.
 The hypotenuse is always the longest side whereas the sum of the other
two interior angles is equal to 90°.
 Base and perpendicular are the names given to the other two sides that lie
next to the right angle.
 The area of the right-angle triangle is equal to half of the product of
adjacent sides of the right angle, i.e.,
Area of Right-Angle Triangle = ½ (Base × Perpendicular)

 Three identical triangles result from dropping a perpendicular from the

right angle to the hypotenuse.
 A circumcircle with a radius equal to half the hypotenuse's length can be
drawn if it goes through each of the three vertices.
 If one of the angles is 90° and the other two angles are equal to 45° each,
then the triangle is called an Isosceles Right-Angled Triangle, where the
adjacent sides to 90° are equal in length.

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APPLICATIONS OF RIGHT-ANGLED TRIANGLE:
Throughout its early development, trigonometry was often used as a means of
indirect measurement, for example: determining large distances or lengths by
using measurements of angles and small, known distances. Today, trigonometry is
widely used in physics, astronomy, engineering, navigation, surveying, and various
fields of mathematics and other disciplines. Some of the applications are:

 Trigonometry: Right-angled triangles are fundamental to trigonometry. The

three primary trigonometric ratios (sine, cosine, and tangent) are defined
based on the sides of a right-angled triangle. Trigonometry is essential in
fields like physics, engineering, and navigation. Missing sides length can
also be found using trigonometric ratios.
 Geometry: Right-angled triangles are used in geometry to understand
concepts like Pythagoras' Theorem, the properties of similar triangles, and
the relationship between angles and sides in triangles. The ability to
compute the lengths of sides of a triangle makes it possible to find the
height of a tall object without climbing to the top or having to extend a
tape measure along its height.
 Surveying: Surveyors often use right-angled triangles to measure distances,
heights, and angles in the field. The Pythagorean theorem is commonly
applied to calculate distances and establish accurate land boundaries.
 Engineering: In engineering, right-angled triangles are used to analyze and
design structures, especially when dealing with loads, forces, and angles.
They are also used in mechanical engineering for understanding mechanical
advantage and gear ratios.
 Construction: Builders use right-angled triangles to ensure that structures
are level and square. The 3-4-5 triangle method is commonly used to
establish right angles and straight lines.
 Architecture: Architects use right-angled triangles to create proportional
and aesthetically pleasing designs. Right angles and geometric principles
are fundamental in architectural drafting. The shapes of the roof trusses are
commonly a right triangle. Bridge trusses are used to give extra strength to
the bridge structures. It distributes the force and increases strength. Right
triangles are used in a bridge truss. It is also used to establish square

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 corners, create proportional designs, determine building heights and
achieve visual perspective.
 Physics: Right-angled triangles are employed in physics to analyze vectors
and resolve forces into their components. They are used in kinematics to
describe motion and in optics to calculate angles of reflection and
refraction.
 Navigation: Right-angled triangles are vital in navigation, particularly in
celestial navigation. Sailors and pilots use trigonometric principles to
calculate their position based on the angles between stars, the horizon, and
their current location.
 Computer Graphics: Right-angled triangles are used in computer graphics
to perform 2D and 3D transformations, such as rotations, translations, and
scaling, which are essential for rendering objects on screens or in 3D
modeling.
 Electricity and Electronics: In electronics and electrical engineering, right-
angled triangles help determine voltage, current, and impedance in AC
circuits. They are used to calculate phase differences and power factors.
 Mechanics: In mechanics, right-angled triangles are employed to
understand the relationships between distance, speed, and time in simple
motion problems. They are also used to analyze the forces acting on
objects.
 Astronomy: Astronomers use right-angled triangles to measure the
distances and angles between celestial objects and Earth, aiding in the
calculation of astronomical distances and positions.
 Geography: Right-angled triangles play a role in mapmaking, especially in
calculating map scale, distances, and angles on maps. Right-angled triangles
help calculate changes in elevation, such as the slope of terrain, which is
vital for understanding topography.
 Art and Design: Right-angled triangles are used in art and design to create
visually balanced compositions and achieve perspective in drawings and
paintings. Right-angled triangles aid in creating the illusion of depth and
three-dimensionality in two-dimensional artwork, helping artists and
designers represent objects in space realistically. They are used to establish
balanced and visually pleasing compositions by ensuring that elements like

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 lines, shapes, and objects are correctly aligned and proportioned.

 Healthcare: In medical imaging, right-angled triangles help calculate

distances and angles within the body for procedures like radiography and
image-guided surgery. They play a role in designing and positioning medical
devices and instruments, ensuring accuracy and precision during
procedures and treatments.
 Sailing boats: they frequently have sails in the right triangle design. The
sails have different lengths on their sides. There are also different measures
for the angles between the sides. But one angle among all three angles is a
right angle. The sails help to maneuver the boats easily through action and
reaction.

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13
HISTORICAL BACKGROUNDS:
The concept of the right-angled triangle has a long history dating back to ancient
civilizations. Here's a brief background on its historical development:
 Ancient Egypt: The ancient Egyptians are believed to have used right-
angled triangles in their construction and surveying practices. The 3-4-5
right triangle, which adheres to the Pythagorean theorem, was used to
create right angles, ensuring precise and square structures.
 Babylonian Mathematics: Babylonian mathematicians, around 2000 BC,
had knowledge of the Pythagorean theorem, as evidenced by clay tablets
that contained mathematical texts and calculations related to right
triangles.
 Ancient India: Indian mathematicians, particularly in the Vedic period,
made significant contributions to geometry and trigonometry. They were
aware of the relationships between angles and sides in right-angled
triangles.
 Ancient Greece: The Greek mathematician Pythagoras is most famously
associated with the Pythagorean theorem, which describes the relationship
between the sides of a right-angled triangle. The theorem is named after
him, even though it was likely known to others before him.
 Islamic Mathematics: During the Islamic Golden Age, scholars like Al-
Khwarizmi and Al-Biruni made advances in trigonometry and the
understanding of right-angled triangles, which were crucial for fields like
astronomy and navigation.
 European Renaissance: The Pythagorean theorem became widely known
and recognized in Europe during the Renaissance. It had a profound impact
on mathematics, science, and engineering.

The concept of the right-angled triangle, along with the Pythagorean theorem,
played a pivotal role in the development of mathematics and its practical
applications in fields like architecture, engineering, navigation, and physics. Over
the centuries, this simple geometric shape has had a profound influence on
human knowledge and technological progress.

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Significance and Scope Applications:
The significance of right-angled triangles lies in their wide range of practical
applications and their fundamental role in geometry and trigonometry.
Here's an overview of the significance and scope of applications of right-
angled triangles:
1. Pythagorean Theorem: The Pythagorean theorem is one of the most
significant discoveries related to right-angled triangles. It states that in a
right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the
right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. This
theorem has applications in various fields, including:
 Geometry: It's used to calculate distances, establish right angles, and
prove geometric properties.
 Engineering and Construction: Architects and engineers use it to
ensure structures are square and stable.
 Physics: It's applied to understand the relationship between forces and
motion, particularly in mechanics.

2. Trigonometry: Right-angled triangles are foundational in trigonometry.

The three primary trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, and tangent) are
defined based on the ratios of the sides in a right-angled triangle.
Trigonometry is essential in various fields, such as:
 Navigation: Sailors and pilots use trigonometric principles to determine
their position and course.
 Astronomy: Astronomers use trigonometry to measure the distances
and angles between celestial objects.
 Electronics: Trigonometry is used to analyze alternating current (AC)
circuits and calculate phase differences.

3. Practical Applications: Right-angled triangles have practical

applications in everyday life and various professions, including:
 Surveying: Surveyors use right-angled triangles to measure distances,
heights, and angles in the field.
 Medical Imaging: Right-angled triangles are used in medical imaging to
position patients accurately for X-rays and scans.
 Art and Design: Artists and designers employ right-angled triangles to
create perspective and balance in compositions.
4. Geometry and Proportions: Right-angled triangles help maintain
proportions and balance in design, making them important in architecture
and aesthetics.

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5. Construction and Engineering: Builders use right-angled triangles to
ensure square corners and calculate loads and forces in structures.
6. Mathematics Education: Right-angled triangles are often used as a
steppingstone for introducing geometric and trigonometric concepts to
students.
In summary, the scope and significance of right-angled triangles are broad
and diverse. They serve as the foundation for various mathematical and
scientific principles and have practical applications in fields ranging from
architecture and engineering to healthcare and navigation. Their simple yet
powerful properties make them indispensable in many aspects of our daily
lives and the advancement of human knowledge.

METHODOLOGY:

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  Project Overview: This project aimed to provide a brief introduction on
right-angled triangles including its history and application.
 Data Collection: Data collection was done through various sources.
Textbooks were used for general information whereas the internet was
used for in-depth research.
 Data Analysis: Data analysis was done through research on right angled
triangles. By applying the Pythagorean theorem or trigonometric functions,
specific problems could be solved. Real life examples were also taken into
consideration.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION:

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Data collection was done through 3 methods. Textbooks were used to give a
general idea about the topic. The Internet was used to research and understand
the topic in depth. Real life examples such as sail boats, bridges, inclined planes
were used to understand the concept and use of right-angled triangles in practical
life.
With the help of this project, I could learn the importance of right-angled triangles
in various fields or real-life contexts. The significance of its applications was also
well understood. Apart from using right-angled triangles in trigonometry and
geometry, its practical implications were also seen through the applied real-world
scenarios. The project has limited its studies to only brief introduction,
application, and history. The examples of related problems aren’t discussed.
Overall, this project includes a general introduction, background on history and
applications of right-angled triangles in various sectors.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
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[Link]
[Link]
%20a%20teacher%20and,the%20sum%20of%20two%20others
[Link]
Applications_of_Right_Triangle_Trigonometry
[Link]
Elementary_Trigonometry_(Corral)/
01%3A_Right_Triangle_Trigonometry_Angles/
1.03%3A_Applications_and_Solving_Right_Triangles
[Link]
[Link]

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