Is theta similar to 'x'

it depends...

• theta:

theta is usually the letter given to any angle in the triangle (the letter theta is from the greek alphabet). usually in trigonometry you would use it when using SOHCAHTOA (sin=opposite/hypotenuse; cos=adjacent/hypotenuse; tan=opposite/adjacent) e.g. the sun is at an angle of 30°. if the shadow's length is 40m, find the length of the flagpole.

tan30=h/40

tanθ=opp/adj

40xtan30=h

h=23.09m

-'opposite' (opp)is the opposite side from the angle you are trying to find out

-'adjacent' (adj)is the side next to the angle you are trying to find out

-'hypotenuse' (hyp)is also next to the angle you are trying to find out, but it is also opposite the right angle and it is the longest side

• x:

'x' is usually used to represent a length (either the base, height or hypotenuse). using SOHCAHTOA it would be either the opposite, adjacent or hypotenuse. using the example above x could substitute h

the difference is that theta is used for the angles and x is for the other measurements(length or distance). i don't think that there similar but thats just me...