Sine is defined as the ratio of which two sides of a right triangle?

Sine is defined in trigonometry as the ratio of the length of the side opposite to an angle in a right triangle to the length of the hypotenuse. This relationship is fundamental in understanding various properties of triangles and is crucial when solving problems related to angles and distances in fields such as physics and engineering, especially in naval applications.

In the context of a right triangle, if you consider an angle other than the right angle, the side opposite this angle is the one directly across from it, while the hypotenuse is the longest side of the triangle, which is opposite the right angle. The sine function helps us determine how the height of the triangle (which corresponds to the opposite side) compares to the longest side (the hypotenuse), making it vital for analyzing scenarios involving angular relationships and forces.

The other options do not accurately define sine. For example, the ratio of adjacent to hypotenuse pertains to cosine, while opposite to adjacent refers to tangent. Understanding these distinctions is key when performing calculations involving trigonometric functions.