Whats the difference between the three main trigonometric functions?

Sin(x), Cos(x) and Tan(x) are very useful functions and can be used to solve algerbraic problems where the aim is to find the size of an angle or a size.

Sin(x) = Opposite/Hypotenuse

Cos(x) = Adjacent/Hypotenuse

Tan(x) = Opposite/Adjacent

these are the equations you must rearrange to solve the problems. for example if you're looking to find the length of hypotenuse side and have the angle, x and the length of the adjacent of side you rearrange the equation to be:

hypotenuse =adjacent/cos(x)

This can be confusing at first but can become second nature very quickly if you work through lots of problems.

A great way of remembering the equations is:
SOHCAHTOA

Answered by Michael G. Maths tutor

3845 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Find an equation of the line which passes through the point (4,-7) and has slope 3.


Solve 6x – 5 = 2x + 13


Triangle ABC has perimeter 20 cm. AB = 7 cm. BC = 4 cm. By calculation, deduce whether triangle ABC is a right-angled triangle. 4 marks.


5 students are in a maths class and 10 students are in a physics class. The mean mark of the maths class is 90 and the mean mark of the physics class is 85. Work out the mean mark of both classes.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences