Trigonometry

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Notes de leçon

Trigonometry Basics

Trigonometry is the mathematics of angles in triangles, studying relationships between side lengths and angles.
The three trigonometric functions are sine, cosine, and tangent (sin, cos, tan).
These functions are ratios of side lengths in right-angled triangles.
SOHCAHTOA is a mnemonic to remember the ratios: Sin = Opposite/Hypotenuse, Cos = Adjacent/Hypotenuse, Tan = Opposite/Adjacent.
Trigonometry (like Pythagoras) can only be used in right-angled triangles.
Ensure your calculator is set to degrees (D or Deg on screen).

Labelling Sides of a Right-Angled Triangle

Label the sides relative to a chosen angle θ: Hypotenuse (H) – longest side, opposite the right angle.
Opposite (O) – side directly opposite angle θ.
Adjacent (A) – side next to angle θ (not the hypotenuse).
H is always the same; O and A change depending on which angle is θ.

Labelling a right-angled triangle

Finding Missing Lengths Using SOHCAHTOA

Step 1: Label the sides as H, O, A relative to the given angle.
Step 2: Identify which ratio to use: given two sides, find the two letters in SOHCAHTOA (e.g., O and A → tan).
Step 3: Substitute values into the formula: e.g., tan(θ) = O/A.
Step 4: Rearrange to solve for the unknown side (multiply or divide).
Step 5: Type into calculator and round to 3 significant figures unless otherwise stated.
Example: If tan(43°) = x/9, then x = 9 × tan(43°) = 8.39 cm (3 s.f.).

Finding a length: worked example

Finding Missing Angles Using SOHCAHTOA

Step 1: Label sides as H, O, A relative to the unknown angle.
Step 2: Identify the ratio using the two given side letters (e.g., A and H → cos).
Step 3: Write the ratio as a fraction: cos(θ) = A/H.
Step 4: Use the inverse trigonometric function (sin⁻¹, cos⁻¹, tan⁻¹) – press SHIFT on calculator.
Step 5: Calculate and round to 1 decimal place unless otherwise stated.
Example: If cos(y) = 8/23, then y = cos⁻¹(8/23) = 69.6° (1 d.p.).

Finding an angle: worked example

Common Exam Tips

Always label the triangle first before applying SOHCAHTOA.
Write down the ratio you are using to avoid mistakes.
For lengths, round to 3 significant figures; for angles, round to 1 decimal place.
Check your calculator mode: it must be in degrees.
SOHCAHTOA only works in right-angled triangles – do not use it for non-right triangles.

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1.In a right-angled triangle, which side is the hypotenuse?
Easy
- AThe side opposite the right angle
- BThe side opposite the given angle
- CThe side adjacent to the given angle
- DThe shortest side
2.What does SOHCAHTOA stand for?
Easy
- ASin = Opposite/Hypotenuse, Cos = Adjacent/Hypotenuse, Tan = Opposite/Adjacent
- BSin = Adjacent/Hypotenuse, Cos = Opposite/Hypotenuse, Tan = Adjacent/Opposite
- CSin = Hypotenuse/Opposite, Cos = Hypotenuse/Adjacent, Tan = Adjacent/Opposite
- DSin = Opposite/Adjacent, Cos = Adjacent/Hypotenuse, Tan = Hypotenuse/Opposite
3.If tan θ = opposite/adjacent, which sides are used for tan?
Easy
- AOpposite and adjacent
- BOpposite and hypotenuse
- CAdjacent and hypotenuse
- DHypotenuse and opposite
4.In a right-angled triangle, the side opposite the angle θ is 5 cm and the hypotenuse is 13 cm. What is sin θ?
Easy
- A5/13
- B13/5
- C12/13
- D5/12
5.In a right-angled triangle, the adjacent side is 8 cm and the hypotenuse is 17 cm. What is cos θ?
Easy
- A8/17
- B17/8
- C15/17
- D8/15
6.A right-angled triangle has an angle of 30° and an adjacent side of 10 cm. Find the length of the opposite side.
Medium
- A5.77 cm
- B5.00 cm
- C8.66 cm
- D11.55 cm
7.In a right-angled triangle, the opposite side is 12 cm and the hypotenuse is 13 cm. Find the angle θ.
Medium
- A67.4°
- B22.6°
- C45.0°
- D60.0°
8.A right-angled triangle has an angle of 40° and an opposite side of 7 cm. Find the hypotenuse.
Medium
- A10.9 cm
- B9.1 cm
- C8.4 cm
- D11.5 cm

Plus de questions

9.In a right-angled triangle, the adjacent side is 9 cm and the opposite side is 12 cm. Find tan θ.
Medium
- A1.333
- B0.750
- C0.800
- D1.250
10.A right-angled triangle has hypotenuse 15 cm and an angle of 35°. Find the length of the adjacent side.
Hard
- A12.3 cm
- B8.6 cm
- C10.2 cm
- D7.5 cm
11.In a right-angled triangle, the opposite side is 8 cm and the adjacent side is 15 cm. Find the angle θ.
Hard
- A28.1°
- B61.9°
- C32.0°
- D58.0°
12.A right-angled triangle has an angle of 52° and an adjacent side of 6 cm. Find the hypotenuse.
Hard
- A9.75 cm
- B7.62 cm
- C10.3 cm
- D8.15 cm
13.In a right-angled triangle, the hypotenuse is 20 cm and the adjacent side is 12 cm. Find the angle θ.
Hard
- A53.1°
- B36.9°
- C45.0°
- D60.0°
14.A right-angled triangle has opposite side 5 cm and hypotenuse 13 cm. Find the adjacent side.
Medium
- A12 cm
- B8 cm
- C10 cm
- D9 cm
15.In a right-angled triangle, the angle is 60° and the opposite side is 10 cm. Find the hypotenuse.
Hard
- A11.55 cm
- B8.66 cm
- C5.77 cm
- D20.0 cm
16.A right-angled triangle has adjacent side 7 cm and hypotenuse 25 cm. Find the angle θ.
Medium
- A73.7°
- B16.3°
- C45.0°
- D30.0°
17.In a right-angled triangle, the side opposite the right angle is called the
Easy
- Ahypotenuse
- Bopposite
- Cadjacent
- Dbase
18.Which trigonometric ratio is used when you know the opposite side and the hypotenuse?
Easy
- Asin
- Bcos
- Ctan
- Dcot
19.In a right-angled triangle, if the opposite side is 4 cm and the adjacent side is 3 cm, what is tan θ?
Easy
- A1.333
- B0.75
- C1.25
- D0.8
20.A right-angled triangle has an angle of 30° and a hypotenuse of 10 cm. Find the length of the opposite side.
Easy
- A5 cm
- B8.66 cm
- C5.77 cm
- D10 cm
21.In a right-angled triangle, the opposite side is 6 cm and the adjacent side is 8 cm. Find the angle θ.
Easy
- A36.9°
- B53.1°
- C41.8°
- D48.2°
22.A right-angled triangle has an angle of 40° and an opposite side of 7 cm. Find the length of the hypotenuse.
Medium
- A10.9 cm
- B5.36 cm
- C8.33 cm
- D9.14 cm
23.In a right-angled triangle, the adjacent side is 9 cm and the hypotenuse is 15 cm. Find the angle θ.
Medium
- A53.1°
- B36.9°
- C45°
- D60°
24.A right-angled triangle has a hypotenuse of 20 cm and an angle of 35°. Find the length of the adjacent side.
Medium
- A16.4 cm
- B11.5 cm
- C14.3 cm
- D24.4 cm
25.A right-angled triangle has an angle of 52° and an adjacent side of 6 cm. Find the length of the hypotenuse.
Medium
- A9.75 cm
- B7.62 cm
- C10.2 cm
- D4.69 cm
26.A right-angled triangle has hypotenuse 15 cm and an angle of 35°. Find the length of the opposite side.
Hard
- A8.60 cm
- B12.3 cm
- C9.36 cm
- D6.88 cm
27.A right-angled triangle has opposite side 5 cm and hypotenuse 13 cm. Find the length of the adjacent side.
Hard
- A12 cm
- B10 cm
- C8 cm
- D9 cm
28.In a right-angled triangle, the angle is 60° and the opposite side is 10 cm. Find the length of the hypotenuse.
Hard
- A11.5 cm
- B20 cm
- C8.66 cm
- D5.77 cm
29.A right-angled triangle has sides of length 5 cm, 12 cm and 13 cm. What is the value of sin θ, where θ is the angle opposite the side of length 5 cm?
Medium
- A5/13
- B12/13
- C5/12
- D13/5
30.In a right-angled triangle, the angle is 30° and the opposite side is 4 cm. What is the length of the hypotenuse?
Medium
- A4 / sin 30°
- B4 × sin 30°
- C4 / cos 30°
- D4 × cos 30°
31.A ladder 5 m long leans against a vertical wall. The foot of the ladder is 3 m from the wall. What angle does the ladder make with the ground?
Medium
- A36.9°
- B53.1°
- C30.0°
- D60.0°
32.A flagpole is held by two ropes. From a point on the ground 10 m from the base of the flagpole, the angle of elevation to the top is 40°. What is the height of the flagpole?
Hard
- A10 tan 40°
- B10 / tan 40°
- C10 sin 40°
- D10 / sin 40°
33.What is the value of sin 30°?
Easy
- A0.5
- B0.707
- C0.866
- D1
34.Which trigonometric ratio uses opposite and adjacent?
Easy
- Asin
- Bcos
- Ctan
- Dcosec
35.A right-angled triangle has sides of length 3 cm, 4 cm and 5 cm. What is cos θ, where θ is the angle between the 3 cm and 5 cm sides?
Medium
- A0.6
- B0.8
- C0.75
- D1.25
36.In a right-angled triangle, the opposite side is 7 cm and the adjacent side is 24 cm. Find tan θ.
Medium
- A0.292
- B3.429
- C0.2917
- D3.4286
37.What is the value of cos 60°?
Easy
- A0.5
- B0.866
- C1
- D0
38.A right-angled triangle has hypotenuse 10 cm and an angle of 30°. Find the length of the opposite side.
Medium
- A5 cm
- B8.66 cm
- C5.77 cm
- D20 cm
39.From a point on the ground 10 m from the base of a flagpole, the angle of elevation to the top is 40°. What is the height of the flagpole?
Hard
- A8.39 m
- B11.9 m
- C6.43 m
40.In a right-angled triangle, the side opposite the right angle is 13 cm and the side adjacent to angle θ is 5 cm. What is cos θ?
Easy
- A5/13
- B12/13
- C13/5
- D5/12

Notes de révision

## Trigonometry Revision Notes ### SOHCAHTOA - **S**in = **O**pposite / **H**ypotenuse - **C**os = **A**djacent / **H**ypotenuse - **T**an = **O**pposite / **A**djacent ### Finding Lengths 1. Label sides: H (hypotenuse, opposite right angle), O (opposite given angle), A (adjacent to given angle). 2. Choose ratio: given two letters (e.g., O and A → tan). 3. Write formula: e.g., tan(θ) = O/A. 4. Substitute and solve: multiply or divide. 5. Round to 3 significant figures unless specified. ### Finding Angles 1. Label sides as above. 2. Choose ratio using given sides. 3. Write formula with unknown angle: e.g., cos(θ) = A/H. 4. Use inverse function: θ = cos⁻¹(A/H). 5. Round to 1 decimal place. ### Key Points - Only for right-angled triangles. - Calculator must be in degree mode (D or Deg). - Hypotenuse is always opposite the right angle. ### Example (Length) Find x if tan(43°) = x/9 → x = 9 × tan(43°) = 8.39 cm (3 s.f.) ### Example (Angle) Find y if cos(y) = 8/23 → y = cos⁻¹(8/23) = 69.6° (1 d.p.)

Hypotenuse: The longest side in a right-angled triangle, opposite the right angle.
Opposite: The side opposite the chosen angle θ.
Adjacent: The side next to the chosen angle θ.
SOHCAHTOA: A mnemonic for remembering trigonometric ratios: Sin = Opposite/Hypotenuse, Cos = Adjacent/Hypotenuse, Tan = Opposite/Adjacent.
sin θ: Sine of angle θ = opposite / hypotenuse.
cos θ: Cosine of angle θ = adjacent / hypotenuse.
tan θ: Tangent of angle θ = opposite / adjacent.
Inverse trigonometric function: Used to find an angle from a ratio, e.g., sin⁻¹, cos⁻¹, tan⁻¹.

Cartes mémo

What does SOHCAHTOA stand for?

Sin = Opposite/Hypotenuse, Cos = Adjacent/Hypotenuse, Tan = Opposite/Adjacent.

What are the three trigonometric ratios for a right-angled triangle?

sin θ = opposite/hypotenuse, cos θ = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan θ = opposite/adjacent.

How do you label the sides of a right-angled triangle for trigonometry?

Hypotenuse (H) is opposite the right angle; Opposite (O) is opposite the given angle; Adjacent (A) is next to the given angle.

Which trigonometric ratio do you use if you know the adjacent and hypotenuse?

Cosine (cos).

Which trigonometric ratio do you use if you know the opposite and adjacent?

Tangent (tan).

Which trigonometric ratio do you use if you know the opposite and hypotenuse?

Sine (sin).

How do you find a missing side length using trigonometry?

Label sides, choose SOHCAHTOA, substitute values, then rearrange and solve using a calculator.

If tan(43°) = x/9, how do you find x?

Multiply both sides by 9: x = 9 × tan(43°).

If cos(40°) = 3/H, how do you find H?

H = 3 / cos(40°).

How do you find a missing angle using trigonometry?

Label sides, choose SOHCAHTOA, write ratio, then use inverse trig function (e.g., sin⁻¹, cos⁻¹, tan⁻¹).

If cos(y) = 8/23, how do you find angle y?

y = cos⁻¹(8/23).

To what accuracy should you round a missing side length if not specified?

Round to 3 significant figures.

To what accuracy should you round a missing angle if not specified?

Round to 1 decimal place.

What is the angle between a tangent and a radius at the point of contact?

90° (the radius is perpendicular to the tangent).

What is the angle in a semicircle?

The angle at the circumference subtended by a diameter is 90°.

In triangle XYZ, Y is due west of Z and Z is due south of X. What is angle YXZ?

tan(YXZ) = YZ/XZ (opposite over adjacent, right angle at Z), so angle YXZ = tan⁻¹(YZ/XZ).

How do you find the bearing of Y from X if XY = 39 km and XZ = 21 km?

cos(YXZ) = XZ/XY = 21/39, so YXZ = cos⁻¹(21/39) ≈ 57.4°. Bearing of Y from X = 180° + 57.4° = 237.4°.

In a right-angled triangle, if you know the opposite and adjacent, which inverse function do you use?

tan⁻¹ (inverse tangent).

In a right-angled triangle, if you know the adjacent and hypotenuse, which inverse function do you use?

cos⁻¹ (inverse cosine).

In a right-angled triangle, if you know the opposite and hypotenuse, which inverse function do you use?

sin⁻¹ (inverse sine).

What is the first step when using trigonometry to find a missing side or angle?

Label the sides of the triangle as H, O, and A relative to the given angle.

What does 'Deg' on a calculator indicate?

The calculator is set to measure angles in degrees.

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