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Plane Geometry and Trigonometry

Angles, triangles, circles, and basic trigonometry for ACT

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Plane Geometry and Trigonometry

Angles

Types:

  • Acute: <90°< 90°
  • Right: =90°= 90°
  • Obtuse: >90°> 90° and <180°< 180°
  • Straight: =180°= 180°

Complementary angles: Add to 90°90° Supplementary angles: Add to 180°180°

Triangles

Angle Sum

All triangles: angles sum to 180°180°

Pythagorean Theorem

For right triangles: a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2 (where cc is the hypotenuse)

Special Right Triangles

45-45-90: sides: x,x,x2\text{sides: } x, x, x\sqrt{2}

30-60-90: sides: x,x3,2x\text{sides: } x, x\sqrt{3}, 2x

Area

A=12bhA = \frac{1}{2}bh

Circles

Circumference: C=2πr=πdC = 2\pi r = \pi d

Area: A=πr2A = \pi r^2

Arc length: Arc=θ360°×2πr\text{Arc} = \frac{\theta}{360°} \times 2\pi r

Trigonometry

SOH-CAH-TOA

sin⁡θ=oppositehypotenuse\sin\theta = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}}

cos⁡θ=adjacenthypotenuse\cos\theta = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}}

tan⁡θ=oppositeadjacent\tan\theta = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}}

Common Values

Anglesincostan
30°30°12\frac{1}{2}32\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}13\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}
45°45°22\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}22\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}11
60°60°32\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}12\frac{1}{2}3\sqrt{3}

Law of Sines (for any triangle)

asin⁡A=bsin⁡B=csin⁡C\frac{a}{\sin A} = \frac{b}{\sin B} = \frac{c}{\sin C}

ACT Tips

  • Memorize special right triangles! They appear often
  • Draw diagrams if not provided
  • Use calculator for trig values (set to degrees!)
  • Common Pythagorean triples: 3-4-5, 5-12-13, 8-15-17

📚 Practice Problems

1Problem 1easy

❓ Question:

In a right triangle, one leg is 3 and the other leg is 4. What is the hypotenuse?

💡 Show Solution

Solution:

Use Pythagorean theorem: a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2 32+42=c23^2 + 4^2 = c^2 9+16=c29 + 16 = c^2 25=c225 = c^2 c=5c = 5

Answer: 55

ACT Tip: This is the 3-4-5 Pythagorean triple - memorize it!

2Problem 2medium

❓ Question:

A circle has a diameter of 10 cm. What is its area?

💡 Show Solution

Solution:

Given diameter d=10d = 10 cm, so radius r=5r = 5 cm

Area formula: A=πr2A = \pi r^2 A=π(5)2A = \pi (5)^2 A=25π cm2A = 25\pi \text{ cm}^2

Answer: 25π25\pi cm² (or approximately 78.54 cm²)

ACT Tip: Leave answer in terms of π\pi unless told to approximate!

3Problem 3hard

❓ Question:

In a right triangle, if the angle is 30°30° and the hypotenuse is 12, what is the length of the side opposite the 30°30° angle?

💡 Show Solution

Solution:

This is a 30-60-90 triangle with ratio x:x3:2xx : x\sqrt{3} : 2x

The hypotenuse is 2x=122x = 12 x=6x = 6

The side opposite 30°30° is the shortest side = xx

Answer: 66

Alternative using trig: sin⁡30°=opposite12\sin 30° = \frac{\text{opposite}}{12} 12=opposite12\frac{1}{2} = \frac{\text{opposite}}{12} opposite=6\text{opposite} = 6

ACT Tip: Recognize special triangles to solve faster!

Explain using:

📌 Related Topics in ACT Math

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is Plane Geometry and Trigonometry?▾
Angles, triangles, circles, and basic trigonometry for ACT
How can I study Plane Geometry and Trigonometry effectively?▾
Start by reading the study notes and working through the examples on this page. Then use the flashcards to test your recall. Practice with the 3 problems provided, checking solutions as you go. Regular review and active practice are key to retention.
Is this Plane Geometry and Trigonometry study guide free?▾
Yes — all study notes, flashcards, and practice problems for Plane Geometry and Trigonometry on Study Mondo are free to access. No account is needed.
What course covers Plane Geometry and Trigonometry?▾
Plane Geometry and Trigonometry is part of the ACT Prep course on Study Mondo, specifically in the ACT Math section. You can explore the full course for more related topics and practice resources.
Are there practice problems for Plane Geometry and Trigonometry?▾
Yes, this page includes 3 practice problems with detailed solutions. Each problem includes a step-by-step explanation to help you understand the approach.