When do I use Sin, Cos or Tan?

You use these functions when you either have a length and an angle and you are looking for a length or when you have two lengths and are looking for an angle. There is a simple way to remember which one to use. SOH CAH TOA is the most common way of remembering. Take the triangle provided and note what each length is in relation to the angle (opposite, adjacent and hypotenuse). Now underline the letters that correspond to the information you have. The one with both of the letters underlined is the one to use.

AC
Answered by Aaron C. Maths tutor

12582 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the simultaneous equations: 3x + 4y = 5 and 2x – 3y = 9


Simplify (3x^2 + x -2)/(x^2 - 1)


The equation of the line L1 is y = 3x – 2 The equation of the line L2 is 3y – 9x + 5 = 0 Show that these two lines are parallel


Show that the function f(x) = x^2 + 2x + 2 is always positive for real values of x


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning