Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. Hopefully the following sites will help you:

1l http://www.mathwords.com/s/sohcahtoa.htm

2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trigonometry

I get how to use soh-cah-toa and everything but could someone help me with how to plug it into a graphing calculator and solve for different sides and whatnot??

2 letters....FU

how does one know when to use which function to get the angle

tan angle x=15/8

tan angle x=15/8=1.875 so angle x=62

12*12

When using a graphing calculator to solve for different sides in trigonometry, you can utilize the trigonometric functions available on the calculator. These functions are usually labeled as sin, cos, and tan on the calculator. Here's an explanation of how to use the calculator to find different sides:

1. First, determine the given information for the triangle: the angle measure and the length of any side.

2. To find a missing side when you know the angle measure and the length of another side, you can use the relevant trigonometric function (sin, cos, or tan), depending on the known information.

- To find the length of the side opposite the given angle, use the sin function.
- To find the length of the side adjacent to the given angle, use the cos function.
- To find the length of the side opposite the given angle, use the tan function.

3. Input the known information into the calculator, along with the relevant trigonometric function. Make sure to set the calculator to the appropriate angle mode (degrees or radians), typically found in the settings or mode menu.

4. Evaluate the trigonometric function on the calculator to obtain a decimal approximation of the missing side length.

Regarding your question about knowing which trigonometric function to use, it depends on the given information and what you're trying to solve for. Remember the acronym SOH-CAH-TOA:

- "SOH" stands for Sine equals Opposite over Hypotenuse. Use the sine function (sin) when you know the length of the side opposite the given angle and want to solve for the length of another side.
- "CAH" stands for Cosine equals Adjacent over Hypotenuse. Use the cosine function (cos) when you know the length of the side adjacent to the given angle and want to solve for the length of another side.
- "TOA" stands for Tangent equals Opposite over Adjacent. Use the tangent function (tan) when you know the length of the side opposite the given angle and the length of the side adjacent to the given angle, and want to solve for the length of another side.

By understanding these trigonometric functions and when to use them, you can successfully plug the necessary information into a graphing calculator to solve for different sides in trigonometry problems.