When you start learning about trigonometry, you first come across three important functions: sine, cosine, and tangent. These functions are key to solving problems, especially with right triangles. Let's break them down in simpler terms:

1. Sine (sin): The sine of an angle in a right triangle is the length of the side across from the angle (the opposite side) compared to the longest side (the hypotenuse). If you have an angle called $A$, it looks like this: $\sin(A) = \frac{\text{Opposite}}{\text{Hypotenuse}}$

2. Cosine (cos): The cosine function is about the side next to the angle (the adjacent side). For the same angle $A$, it can be written as: $\cos(A) = \frac{\text{Adjacent}}{\text{Hypotenuse}}$

3. Tangent (tan): The tangent connects the opposite side and the adjacent side. It’s easy to remember because it’s just sine divided by cosine: $\tan(A) = \frac{\text{Opposite}}{\text{Adjacent}} = \frac{\sin(A)}{\cos(A)}$

These functions are really helpful when solving problems with right triangles. Plus, they are useful later on when you learn about the unit circle in trigonometry.

By knowing these basic ideas, you are building a strong foundation for more advanced topics in the future. Keep practicing, and soon you will find these ratios easy to understand and use!