16Hit1600
Geometry and TrigonometryMediumTrig ratio of a 45° angle

Geometry and Trigonometry practice question

In an isosceles right triangle, what is the value of tan of either acute angle?

  1. A. 1Correct
  2. B. √2/2
  3. C. √2
  4. D. 1/2

Answer: A. 1

The two legs are equal, so opposite/adjacent = 1. (tan 45° = 1.)

Why the other answers are wrong

B. √2/2
√2/2 is sin 45° (or cos 45°).
C. √2
√2 is the hypotenuse-to-leg ratio, not a tangent.
D. 1/2
1/2 is sin 30°, not any 45° ratio.

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