Formula Used:
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The Adjacent Side of Ramp formula calculates the base length of the right triangle formed when a rectangular surface is raised at an angle to form a ramp. It uses trigonometric relationships between the hypotenuse and the slope angle.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula uses the cosine trigonometric function to calculate the adjacent side length based on the hypotenuse and the angle between them.
Details: Calculating the adjacent side is crucial for ramp design and construction, ensuring proper dimensions and slope angles for accessibility and safety standards.
Tips: Enter the hypotenuse length in meters and the slope angle in radians. The angle should be between 0 and π/2 radians (0-90 degrees).
Q1: Why use cosine function for this calculation?
A: Cosine relates the adjacent side to the hypotenuse in a right triangle, making it the appropriate trigonometric function for this calculation.
Q2: What are typical values for ramp angles?
A: For accessibility, ramp slopes are typically between 4.8° to 7.1° (0.084 to 0.124 radians), with steeper slopes used in specific applications.
Q3: Can I use degrees instead of radians?
A: The calculator requires radians. To convert degrees to radians, multiply degrees by π/180 (approximately 0.0174533).
Q4: What if my angle is 90 degrees (π/2 radians)?
A: At 90 degrees, the adjacent side becomes zero as the surface would be vertical rather than a ramp.
Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise based on trigonometric principles, assuming accurate input values.